homepage
| A to Z index
| help
| contact us
| about us
| find us
|
You are here:
Child Support SchemeOn this page
The Child Support SchemeThe Child Support Scheme aims to balance the interests of both parents and focus on the needs and costs of children. The scheme applies to all separated parents, regardless of the type or length of your relationship. The Child Support Scheme is administered by the Child Support Agency. The Child Support Agency (CSA)The role of the Child Support Agency is to support separated parents to transfer payments for the benefit of their children. The CSA provides support and assistance to both parents, including calculating, collecting and transferring child support. The CSA works within the wider Australian family law system to provide products, services and referrals to help parents with all aspects of separation. [ return to top ] Eligibility for child supportYou can apply for child support if you are separated and your child or children are under 18 years of age. Either or both parents can apply, but you must provide at least 35% care to receive child support. You do not have to be divorced to apply for child support. From 1 July 2009, separated parents who have children from a same-sex relationship are also eligible to apply for child support. You need to contact the CSA to receive a child support assessment. More information on the Child Support Agency website Child support and Family Tax BenefitChild support payments and family assistance payments are closely linked. The more child support you receive, the less Family Tax Benefit Part A you may receive. Similarly, if you receive less child support you may be entitled to more Family Tax Benefit Part A. If you have children from a previous relationship, you need to take reasonable steps to obtain child support from the child’s other parent. You have up to 13 weeks to work out parenting arrangements and apply for child support after you separate. This gives parents time to get information, receive counselling or agree on post-separation arrangements, including negotiating a parenting plan. Note: If you have not applied for child support, or an exemption from seeking child support you may only get the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A. [ return to top ] How to apply for child supportYou can:
You may have reasons for not claiming child support. You can discuss these privately with a Centrelink social worker who can discuss your options. More information on the Child Support Agency website If you leave AustraliaIf one parent lives or is intending to move overseas, the CSA may still be able to collect and transfer child support payments for the benefit of your child or children. More information on the Child Support Agency website [ return to top ] Change of circumstancesYou need to tell the Child Support Agency and the Family Assistance Office when your circumstances change in case it affects the amount of child support you pay or receive or your Family Tax Benefit Part A. For example, you need to tell us if:
More informationOn the Family Assistance Office website On the Child Support Agency website [ return to top ] Other assistanceIf you are receiving child support, you may be able to use a number of Australian Government services and programs, such as:
More information on the Attorney-General's Department website [ return to top ] Find out more
PublicationsOn the Child Support Agency website
Contact us
[ return to top ] Did you find what you were looking for? You can also try the A to Z list, quick links, search, site help, we speak your language or send us feedback on how to make this a better website. |