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Changes in employment
When you get a new job, re-enter the workforce, or become unemployed, your lifestyle and finances can change. You need to tell CSA immediately when a change in your employment occurs.
If you pay child support, you must tell us:
- about any changes to your employment status
- if your income changes
- if you are having trouble making child support payments
- if the care arrangements for your children have changed.
If we know your correct details, then we can make sure your child support is fair and accurate.
What if I lose my job?
If you have a child support assessment or CSA collects payments and you lose your job, contact CSA. Your payments may change to reflect your current situation. You may need to make a payment arrangement.
If you have a child support assessment and CSA collects payments, you need to tell us as soon as possible if you receive any unemployment benefits. CSA can tell you more about your options. For example, you could make an estimate of your income or come to a payment arrangement.
You need to think about how you will manage your money. How will it affect your ability to pay the bills? What about loan payments? Groceries? Child support? It can be a difficult time for you, but it's important to think about how you will handle these costs before they become unmanageable. See Me and My Money (PDF 691k) for advice on how to stretch your dollar further after separation.
Top of pageWhat if I change my job?
If CSA collects your payments, tell us about any changes straight away. CSA can make sure that your payments are correct, deductions from your pay are not interrupted, and your contact details are updated.
Changing jobs can also mean a change to your income. Make sure that your child support payments take into account any changes. For example, if you pay child support, and move from full-time to part-time work, your payments may be reduced.
I'm looking for work
Centrelink and many job search organisations can help you look for work. They can give you advice, employer details, arrange interviews, and help you prepare your resume and job applications.
Can I reduce my payments?
Unless you have a court order or child support agreement that allows you to pay less when you are not employed, you will still have to pay child support-although you may be able to have the rate of child support reduced to reflect your current circumstances.
If you have a minimum child support assessment and you can show that your income will be less than your annual minimum assessment amount, you can ask CSA to reduce your payments to nil. Contact CSA to find out more.
What if I have a court order?
Check it - payments may be reduced if you lose your job or have a reduced income. If CSA collects child support payments, you may be able to ask CSA to stop collecting the money while you are receiving Centrelink payments. Contact the Family Court of Australia for information about your court order. Contact CSA if you want to know more.
What if my employment changes and we have arranged child support without the help of CSA or the court?
The first thing to do is talk to the other parent. Both of you may agree to change the payments to reflect your new situation. The CSA calculator can help you work out your child support payments.
Other resources
Separation can be a very difficult time emotionally and financially. If you are finding it challenging to manage your money, CSA offers a budgeting tool which can help you to organise you finances. You can find out about financial counselling organisations in your area on the Community Services Directory. CSA's book Me and My Money (PDF 691k) also offers some practical tips and hints on how to manage your money after separation.
