Child Support is changing...

...and it could affect you and your mob!

Who is the CSA?

We help parents who pay or receive child support to work out how much child support money is needed for the kids.

What does CSA have to do with me?

CSA is all about helping kids whose mum and dad aren't together.

The parent who looks after the kids the most gets child support to help them pay for things they need to raise the kids, like food and clothes.

The parent who isn't living with the children as much pays child support, which helps your kids.

Why should I register with the CSA?

When you register with us we work out how much you should pay or receive.

We can collect this amount for you or you can arrange the payment with the other parent.

What do I need to do?

To make sure your child support and Centrelink payments are correct, we need your help.

Get in touch with us:

To make sure we have your current contact details.
To tell us how many nights the kids stay with you.

Also, talk to Centrelink to make sure they've got your current contact details.

Look out for letters from the CSA. Let us know if any details in the letters we send you are wrong.

Child support changes affect you

From 1 July 2008, we will work out child support in a different way to how we do now.

You need to know what's happening because the changes affect parents who pay or receive child support.

Even if you work out your own arrangements you need to know what's happening because the changes may affect your Centrelink payment – family assistance.

CSA customers will receive letters and materials to explain the changes and new payments.

What are the changes?

The main changes are:

Both parents' money is taken into account and treated equally.
Some of your money won't be included when CSA works out child support. This is so you have enough money left to support yourself.
More focus on how much you look after the children–it is not just about the money.

There is no shame in asking for help!

There is no shame to ask someone to sit down and talk to you about the changes to child support.

We've got helpful information for indigenous parents.

If you want to have a yarn about how CSA can help, give us a call on 131 272.

In many Centrelink offices we are also available to talk to face-to-face, or you can go to the CSA website www.csa.gov.au for more information.

How to make sure your new child support is right

Call us on 1300 885 437 or log onto CSAonline via www.csa.gov.au if you know your details are not correct.
Look at the materials we send you in the mail. They help explain the new Scheme.
Check the details in your new assessment, including the money and care details. You should get your assessment by mid May.
If they are incorrect, please call us on 1300 885 437.
If you do not receive your assessment please let us know and we will help you.
When you receive your assessment, talk to someone if you don't understand what the letter says. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. We are happy to help. Call 1300 885 437 .

CSA4050.03.08