A person cannot apply for a change of assessment by phone. CSA requires that a change of assessment application be made in writing on the appropriate form (section 98D and 150A). The form (Your Application: changing your child support assessment in special circumstances) is available from CSA offices or on CSA's website at www.csa.gov.au. The form can be lodged by mail, in person or by facsimile.

In order to make a valid change of assessment application, the person must complete and sign the form. If the applicant is a parent of the child for whom child support is payable, he or she must also complete the financial section of the application form.

The form asks the applicant to identify the period for which a change is sought. CSA has limited powers to make a retrospective change of assessment decision.

Parties to a change of assessment

The parties to a change of assessment application are the payer and the payee in the case (section 98B(2)).

Copy of application to the other parent

When CSA receives a change of assessment application from a payer or payee, it must send a copy of the application and any documents that accompanied the application to the other parent in the case (section 98G). However, CSA is not required to send a copy of the application or supporting documents to the other parent if it decides to refuse the application without a conference (section 98G(1)).

Right to respond to application

CSA must give the other parent an opportunity to respond to the application (section 98G(2)). CSA does this by sending the other parent (the respondent) a form (Response - changing your child support assessment in special circumstances) when it forwards the application to them. However, CSA is not required to give the other parent an opportunity to respond to an application if it decides to refuse to change the assessment (section 98G(1)).

If the respondent completes the response form, CSA must send a copy of that response and any documents that accompanied it to the applicant (section 98G(3)).

Each parent entitled to a conference

CSA must give each parent an opportunity to have a conference with the Senior Case Officer (SCO) making a decision on the application for a change of assessment (section 98H). However, CSA can decide to refuse to change the assessment without giving either parent a conference (section 98G(1)).

CSA will offer the applicant and respondent a personal or telephone conference. This can be a joint conference with the other parent, if both parents agree (section 98H(3)). CSA can also conduct separate conferences for each parent, either personally, or by telephone.

Unlike a court hearing, the CSA cannot take evidence under oath, or cross examine a parent about the evidence they give at conference, or in their application.

Neither parent can have a representative appear for them at their conference (section 98H(5)).

CSA not obliged to conduct investigations

CSA can make a change of assessment decision on the basis of the application, the other parent's response and any supporting documents that the parents provided (section 98H(1)(a))

CSA can conduct further enquiries, but is not obliged to do so (section 98H(1)(b)). If CSA requires further information from either parent, or from third parties, it can issue a notice requiring a person to provide that information (section 161).

The prescribed change of assessment application form requests an applicant to provide documents in support of their application. The response form also requests supporting documentation. The SCO will examine and weigh the evidence presented by the parents, which includes their written and oral statements, as well as the supporting documents. The SCO may request the applicant or respondent to provide further information, or documents before making a decision on the application.

CSA will require a person to provide evidence in support of a claim that they cannot work, or have a reduced to capacity to work, because of a medical condition. The usual acceptable form of medical evidence is by way of a written report or medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. The certificate or report must identify the person's medical condition, and state the manner and the period for which that condition will affect the person's capacity to work. CSA may also require medical evidence of a child's special needs; or of the medical condition of a person for whom the applicant provides care, or has a duty to maintain

Procedural fairness

CSA must deal with a change of assessment application in a way that is procedurally fair. A decision-maker must ensure that a person is aware of any adverse information and that they have an opportunity to be heard and make submissions in support of their case. In addition to providing each parent with a copy of the other parent's response or application and supporting documents, CSA will also advise each parent of any additional information that it intends taking into account in a way that is adverse to them, and invite them to comment upon that information. This would include information provided by the other parent at a separate conference, or by a third party after the conference.

Agreements made during a change of assessment

Parents can make an agreement while CSA is considering a change of assessment application (section 98T). CSA must accept the agreement if it is satisfied that it is a child support agreement (section 98U(1)). However, if the payee receives an income-tested pension, allowance or benefit, CSA can only accept a child support agreement if it is satisfied that it would be just and equitable and otherwise proper to do so. CSA is not required to forward a copy of an agreement made during a change of assessment process to Centrelink for its approval.

Income-tested pension, allowance or benefit

The following payments are income-tested pensions, allowances or benefits (section 5 Assessment Act, section 4(1) Family Law Act and regulation 12A Family Law Regulations).

A service pension from the Department of Veteran's Affairs.
All social security payments (not just those payments subject to an income test) except for the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A, Mobility Allowance and disaster relief payments.
A means-tested Abstudy allowance.
A means-tested boarding allowance under the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme.
A New Enterprise Incentive Scheme payment
AUSTUDY
Formal training assistance paid under a Labour Market Program (administered by the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business)

Further information about the eligibility criteria and rates of these payments can be found in the 'Guide to Australian Government Payments Booklet', available from Centrelink's website: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/publications/co029.htm

CSA must give written notice of the decision

CSA must give the parents written reasons for the decision to change an assessment, including the reasons for establishing that special circumstances existed in the case (section 98S(4)). This allows parents to have a clear understanding of the meaning and effect of the decision. CSA will also document its reasons for the type and duration of the decision in the notice of decision. CSA must also give the parties written notice of their right to object to CSA's decision, and to apply to a court for a change of assessment.

If CSA fails to give written reasons to either parent this does not affect the validity of the decision (section 98S(5)).

CSA must also amend the administrative assessment to give effect to the change of assessment decision and give the payer and payee a written notice of the assessment (sections 75 and 76). The assessment notice must include, or be accompanied by, information about the payer and payee's right to object to CSA's decision, and to apply to the Social Security Appeals Tribunal if they are aggrieved by CSA's decision on the objection (section 76(3)).

If CSA refuses to make a change to the assessment, it must also provide the payer and payee with written reasons for that decision.

Version 1.4

Issued 1 January 2007

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	CSA's previous online law & policy guide Effective until 30 June 2008