Are you registered with CSA?

I don't know if I am registered with the CSA?

If you are registered, the CSA would have called you or sent a letter.

If you haven't heard from us, you could still be registered with us, but we may have had difficulty getting your correct contact details.

How do I find out?

Ring 131 272 to see if you are registered.

It's important to call us if you think you could be registered. If you are, you could have built up a debt that needs to be paid.

If you are a Centrelink customer they may be able to tell you if you are a CSA customer as well.

How do I register with the Child Support Agency?

If you have split up or are not with the other parent of your children you might be able to get child support money to help bring them up.

What is child support money?

Child support money is sometimes referred to as 'child maintenance'.

This money comes from the other parent who is not living with the children. The money is for the benefit of the children.

What you need to do to register a case

Use the following steps as a checklist to see if your can get child support:

  1. This may be a difficult time for you emotionally…


    When you are ready call CSA on 131 272 or visit a CSA office if there is one close by.

    If you can get to the internet you can also register a case providing the below details when completing the Application for child support assessment (PDF 248k). This form must be printed and submitted by mail or fax.


  2. Have your information ready. This includes your:

    • full name
    • date of birth
    • postal and/or street address
    • contact numbers
    • tax file number
    • Centrelink reference number and
    • current income details.

  3. Have you got the other parent's details?


    Try and provide as much information as you can. If you don't have all of this information, we may be able to help you.

    • full name
    • date of birth
    • contact numbers
    • employment details
    • it would also be helpful to have their street or postal address, email address and tax file number.

  4. Your children's details:

    • full name
    • birthday
    • girl/boy
    • how many nights they stay with you
    • how many nights the children stay with the other parent
    • any other children you look after

  5. Provide proof of parentage


    We need to know some details about you and the other parent.

    Some questions might be asked about marriage and divorce. If you can't answer any of these questions, then we will need to obtain Proof of Parentage. We need you to help us register your case by giving us:

    • a copy of the child's birth certificate or
    • a statutory declaration signed by you stating that the paying parent is named on the birth certificate or
    • a statutory declaration signed by the paying parent.

    It might be hard to get these details but we can't register your case without them. Legal Aid may be able to help you.


  6. Choose a way of payment.


    Private collect - we work out how much you should get and you can get the money straight from the other parent.

    CSA collect - we work out how much, collect the money from the other parent for you and put it into your bank account.

    • you will need to provide your bank details - including your bank name, account number and BSB number.

We will not let the other parent know your address or phone number.