Making an application from within Australia
To make an application for child support from within Australia or to discuss your individual circumstances please contact the CSA on 131 272.
Information you may need to make an application:
- The other parent's name.
- If the other parent has ever lived in Australia, the date he or she left the country.
- Information that will assist in the contact with or location of the other parent. This includes last known address, country of birth, date of birth, occupation/trade and any other contact details you can supply.
- Date of marriage or information about dates spent living in a defacto relationship.
- The child or children's birth certificate/s.
- Any existing court orders or similar documentation.
If the paying parent resides in an excluded jurisdiction, you will need to obtain a court order as these jurisdictions are unable to accept child support assessments. Call the CSA on 131 272 to discuss your options.
What if I live in Australia and want to pay child support for a child living overseas?
A separated parent in Australia can apply for a child support assessment if they are seeking to pay child support to a parent who is living overseas if:
- the children are Australian citizens or
- the receiving parent is living in a reciprocating jurisdiction.
Overseas children who are entitled to Australian child support assessments
Australian citizens
A parent or carer of Australian children living overseas is eligible to apply for a child support assessment if the child is an Australian citizen or ordinarily resident in Australia and at least one of their parents resides in Australia.
Non Australian citizens
A child living outside Australia who is not an Australian citizen and is not ordinarily resident in Australia may be eligible for a child support assessment if the paying parent is a resident of Australia if the child lives in a reciprocating jurisdiction. The overseas parent will need to have their application forwarded to the CSA through their appropriate overseas authority. They are unable to apply directly to the Australian CSA.
Contact the CSA to discuss your individual circumstances on +61 131 272 or +61 3 6216 0864.