How can I change my child support payments?

Can I make an agreement with the other parent?

If you and the other parent can agree about the best way to provide support for your children, you may be able to make a child support agreement to replace your assessment. CSA and Centrelink will accept the agreement unless the other parent is receiving more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit CSA can give you advice on how to draw up an agreement.

My income has changed since my last child support assessment

A change to your income will only affect your current assessment if your income has reduced by at least 15 per cent. Contact CSA if you believe that your income for the rest of the child support period will be at least 15 per cent less than the income CSA used to work out your child support assessment. You may be able to have your assessment worked out using an estimate of your current income instead.

Our children's circumstances have changed

Changes in your children's circumstances may affect your child support payments. See Changes I need to tell CSA about for more information.

I have a Family Law matter being considered by a court

If the Family Law matter is likely to affect your child support, ask your solicitor, community legal centre, Legal Aid or the Family Court of Australia to advise how you can apply to change your child support assessment at the same time.

I have paid an amount for child support directly to the other parent or another person

Payments (cash or otherwise-such as the transfer of a motor vehicle) may be able to be credited as child support payments. See Non-Agency Payments for more information.

I have the minimum assessment and wish to reduce it further

You can apply to CSA to reduce your $339* assessment to nil if you have less than $339* income in the first 12 months of a child support period. Contact CSA to see if you are eligible for a reduction.

I have other dependent children, or a court order that says I must support my step-child

If you have dependent children not included in the child support assessment, contact CSA or see 'When should I use a modified formula' for more information.

I have a child who turns 18 this year but is still attending secondary education

The other parent may be able to extend their child support assessment until the last day of the child's school year. See Changes in children's circumstance for more information.

I'd like to apply for a change of assessment

If you think your current assessment is unfair because of your particular circumstances, and none of the above options are suitable, you can make an application for a change of assessment if your circumstances meet one or more of the 10 reasons.

* The minimum payment amount will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index to make sure these payments keep pace with inflation.