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How to apply for child support
Once you have read your child support options, either parent may contact CSA to apply for child support.
Self administration
If you and the other parent choose self administration, you do not need to apply to CSA. You make payment arrangements privately with the other parent.
CSA assessment
If you would like CSA to make a child support assessment for you, you can call CSA and arrange this over the phone. Alternatively you can complete the form Application for child support assessment. On this form you can choose to collect the payments privately or ask CSA to collect them.
You must apply for an assessment from CSA if you receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit.
Court order
If you have a court order and would like to register it with CSA and collect the child support privately, you can call CSA and arrange this over the phone. Alternatively you can complete the form I have a maintenance order or court registered agreement and I choose not to have CSA collect the payments.
If you have a court order and would like to register it with CSA and ask CSA to collect the child support, you can call CSA and arrange this over the phone or complete the form Application for collection of maintenance payments.
Child support agreement
If you have made a written agreement with the other parent and would like to register it with CSA, complete the form Child support agreement. You can also apply for an agreement to be registered over the phone, but the agreement must be in writing. The collection options are private collect or CSA collect.
Registration interview
When you apply for child support CSA conducts a phone interview/information session with you. This occurs when you apply over the phone. If you have completed the application form, CSA will then call you.
These interviews usually take about 30-40 minutes and cover a range of topics that may affect your case.
During this interview you will need your Centrelink Reference Number (CRN) and Tax File Number (TFN). Additionally, CSA would also need the name of the other party, and where possible, their income and address details if CSA doesn't already have this information.
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
While CSA will allow family members or friends to act as parent representatives for existing child support cases, they may not apply on an applicant's behalf. The only representatives who may apply on behalf of an applicant are legal representatives, or people with Power of Attorney for the applicant.
How long will it take to process my application?
In general, applications will be processed within 28 days of lodgement, however all applications, whether made over the phone, lodged online, by mail or in person, are deemed to be lodged on the day they are received by CSA.
