How to apply for child support
Once you understand your child support options, either parent can contact us to apply for child support.
You can choose to:
Registration interview
When you apply for child support, we conduct a phone interview/information session with you. These conversations usually take about 30-40 minutes and cover a range of topics that may affect your case.
During this interview you'll need your Centrelink Reference Number (CRN) and Tax File Number (TFN). Additionally, we'll need the name of the other party, and where possible, their income and address details if we don't already have this information.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
No. We do allow family members or friends to act as parent representatives for existing child support cases, however they can't apply for child support on your behalf.
The only representatives who may apply on your behalf are legal representatives or people with Power of Attorney.
How long does it take to process my application?
We aim to process applications within 28 days of lodgement. All applications, whether made over the phone, online, by mail or in person are deemed to be lodged on the day we receive it.