About the Child Support Scheme

Services Australia delivers the Child Support Scheme to separated parents and non-parent carers and is also the decision maker under child support law. We are responsible for child support policy and legislation.

Child support payments are usually calculated using the child support formula. This takes into account:

  • each parent’s income
  • the amount of time the child spends with each parent
  • the costs of raising children in Australia.

Parents may apply for a change of assessment if the calculated amount is unfair in their circumstances.

Parents can make child support payments privately, or Services Australia can collect and transfer the payments on their behalf.

Child support legislation and policy

Read the Commonwealth child support legislation on the Federal Register of Legislation website:

Child Support Scheme history

Since it started, the Child Support Scheme has undergone major reviews, reforms and updates.

Reviewing the Child Support Scheme

The Joint Select Committee on Australia’s Family Law System recommended improvements to the Child Support Scheme.

Was this page helpful?

Your feedback has been successfully submitted.
Thank you for providing feedback. Help us improve by telling us what you think.
DSS96 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/96