Child Support Scheme

On this page

• The Child Support Scheme
• The Child Support Agency (CSA)
• Eligibility for child support
• Child support and Family Tax Benefit
• How to apply for child support
• If you leave Australia
• Change of circumstances
• Other assistance
• Find out more

The Child Support Scheme

The 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.

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Eligibility for child support

You 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

• What is your situation?

Child support and Family Tax Benefit

Child 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.

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How to apply for child support

You can:

• complete an application for child support or lodge your child support agreement online at CSAonline , or
• visit a Child Support Agency office or Regional Service Centre near you.

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

• Application for a child support assessment
• How can we help?
• Lodge a child support agreement online

If you leave Australia

If 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

• Child support for international customers

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Change of circumstances

You 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:

• a child leaves your care
• you re-partner
• your income changes.

More information

On the Family Assistance Office website

• Changes in circumstances

On the Child Support Agency website

• When things change

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Other assistance

If you are receiving child support, you may be able to use a number of Australian Government services and programs, such as:

• Centrelink social workers
• Child Support Agency
• Financial Information Service
• Personal/family counselling
• Services and programs for parents and guardians
• Services and programs when looking for work

More information on the Attorney-General's Department website

• Family Relationship Advice Line information

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Find out more

• Parent or guardian section
• Child Support Agency website
• Family Assistance Office website

Publications

• Family Assistance - the what, why and how booklet
• Publications for parents and guardians

On the Child Support Agency website

• Child Support Agency publications
• The guide to the child support scheme
• The parent's guide to child support

Contact us

• contact the Child Support Agency online or phone 13 1272
• contact the Family Assistance Office online or phone 13 6150
• find your nearest Family Assistance Office at Centrelink

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