I take care of the children (receiving parent)

If you have split up from your partner (or if children under 18 are in your care), you may be eligible for child support.

You can register a case online or call us on 131 272. If you prefer to speak to someone you can visit one of our offices. You will be able to walk in and arrange to talk to someone about your case.

When you register we will need to ask for some personal information about you, your ex and the children. Information regarding proof of parentage will also be required.

This information will be kept private.* We collect personal information for child support purposes only and we don't pass these details onto the other parent unless we have to by law or if it is absolutely necessary to make a decision that would affect the other parent.

Use the checklist to see if you have all the information you need to register a case.

Once we have this information we can work out how much child support you should receive. We do this by using a formula that is based on both parents' income and how much time the children stay at your place.

We can then set up your child support case so that you can keep track of how much should be going to the children.

Once you have registered we will send you information in the mail about your child support case with support information materials such as our Parents Guide to Child Support booklet.

Make sure your details are always up to date so you get the latest information. If things change for you - like you get a new job, you lose your job or you have a new baby - you need to tell CSA as soon as possible.

Changes like these can affect how much child support you receive. If you don't tell us about these changes you may end up receiving too much child support.

You also need to tell Centrelink about these changes as you may be eligible for financial assistance, such as family assistance or parenting payment.

What if the other parent isn't paying child support?

If the other parent isn't paying their child support there are ways that we can collect from them. If your option is to have CSA assist you in collecting child support and the other parent does not pay for a long time we are able to take money from their bank account, take their tax return or ask their employer to withdraw child support from their pay. If you are a customer who is waiting to receive outstanding child support you can help us by telling us any information that you know or that you find out about the other parent.

*Some information may be passed to Centrelink, the Australian Taxation Office or to a law enforcement agency. CSA may also provide your contact details to people contracted by us to deliver services to separated parents, or carry out research to help improve our services. You are not obliged to participate in any programs or research.