Child Support

Child support is the money paid between parents for the financial wellbeing of their children after separation. The Child Support Scheme aims to balance the interests of both parents and focus on the needs and costs of children.

The Child Support Scheme is administered by the Child Support Agency (CSA) who can assist you to work out a child support assessment based on the child support formula. The formula is based on the costs of raising children and considers both parents’ incomes equally and the amount of care each parent provides for their children.

If you are a victim of domestic violence it’s important to let the CSA Customer Service Officer know immediately when you contact CSA so they can discuss your options with you. In situations involving domestic violence the CSA may refer you back to Centrelink to speak to a social worker who can make a recommendation about a Maintenance Action Test exemption to ensure you can receive your full Family Assistance benefits.

Child support payments and family assistance are closely linked. If you are receiving any income support you must notify Centrelink on 131 794 or the Family Assistance Office on 136 150 when you separate as this may affect your Family Tax Benefit payments. You have up to 13 weeks after you separate to work out parenting arrangements and apply for child support before your Family Tax Benefit A payments are affected.