Arranging child support independently

Child support on your terms

Many parents can choose to arrange child support independently without any assistance from us, the courts or other government agencies.

If you receive child support and receive only the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A (or you don't receive family assistance payments at all), you and the other parent can arrange your child support to suit you, without any involvement from us.

Parents who choose this option make all the arrangements - you both decide how much child support should be paid and how it should be paid. We aren't involved, however we can provide information and help if you need it.

Another option is private collect. We tell you how much child support needs to be paid, then parents transfer payments between themselves.

Help and information is available

You might need some information or advice about how to set up a workable and sustainable child support arrangement. Get help and information in setting up private payments.

There's a range of free products and services online that can help such as booklets, calculators, worksheets and self-help tools.

You can also get help from:

• Family Relationship Advice Line
• Family Relationships Online
• Family Relationship Centres

If arrangements don't work out

You can ask us to accept a child support agreement or ask us to make a child support formula assessment. We can collect and transfer child support payments too.

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