Have you recently become unemployed?
If you’ve recently become unemployed or are considering a redundancy package there are some important steps you need to take to ensure your child support assessment is accurate and to avoid having outstanding child support later.
What do I need to do?
If your employment circumstances change, it’s important that you contact the Child Support Agency (CSA) as soon as possible to discuss your options. We can only update your child support details from the date you let us know.
What are my options?
We’ll help you work out the best option for your situation so call us on 131 272*.There are different ways you might be able to meet your responsibilities until you get back on track. For example, if you make any payments to third parties on behalf of the other parent, such as payments for rent or mortgage of the other parent’s home, or payments for medical or dental treatment for the child/ren, you can have this payment credited as a child support payment. This is called a non-agency payment. Non-agency payments can be credited only if your payments are collected by the CSA.
If you and the other parent have a child support agreement about how much child support you pay or a court order in place, you should speak to a Customer Service Officer about any unemployment clauses that may be included in your agreement.
What if my care arrangements change?
Use the care estimator at www.csa.gov.au to calculate your level of care. If your level of care has changed you can ask the CSA to reflect the new care percentage in your child support assessment.
What if I receive a redundancy payout?
Whether or not you receive a redundancy payment, you need to call us immediately on 131 272* to discuss your options. Remember, your redundancy payout may affect your eligibility for some Centrelink payments so call 132 850 to discuss your circumstances.
What if I start a new job?
If you start a new job and your child support assessment is based on an estimate of your income, you need to let the CSA know as soon as possible so we can update your details to ensure your assessment is accurate. If you don’t, your assessment could be wrong and you could build up overdue child support.
Where can I go for more help?
Call 132 850 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au for more information about how Centrelink can help you if you’ve been retrenched or made redundant. Centrelink also has a range of services and programs to help you look for work.
Job Services Australia is a national network of private and community organisations dedicated to helping people find jobs. For more information call 1800 805 260.
*Call charges apply.