Splitifi AustraliaAU
Child Support

Change of Assessment for Child Support

When the formula doesn't reflect reality. How to apply for a change of assessment and the reasons that might succeed.

Splitifi Team9 November 20248 min read

What is a Change of Assessment?

A review where Services Australia considers whether "special circumstances" mean the formula assessment should be changed.

When to Apply

Formula Doesn't Reflect Reality

The standard assessment may be wrong when:

  • Income has significantly changed
  • Special expenses exist
  • A parent's capacity to earn is different from actual earnings

    Reasons for Change

    The 10 reasons a change may be granted:

    1. High costs of contact - Significant travel costs to see children

  • 2. Special needs of child - Disability, medical, educational costs 3. High costs of caring - If you have other children to support 4. Necessary commitments - Pre-existing debts/commitments 5. High costs of child - Private school, special activities 6. Child earning income - Child has significant own income 7. Parent's income not true earning capacity - Could earn more but chooses not to 8. Property/capital affects capacity - Assets mean different capacity 9. Child support paid elsewhere - Paying for children from another relationship 10. Any other special circumstances - Catch-all

    The Application Process

    Step 1: Consider Carefully

    Change of assessment is not routine. You need genuine special circumstances.

    Step 2: Gather Evidence

    Document your reasons:

  • Receipts and records
  • Medical evidence
  • Employment information

    Step 3: Apply

    Contact Services Australia:

  • Phone: 131 272
  • Online: Services Australia website
  • Form: Application for Change of Assessment

    Step 4: Provide Information

    Both parents will be asked to provide information.

    Step 5: Decision

    A Senior Case Officer reviews and decides. They can:

  • Leave the assessment unchanged
  • Increase child support
  • Decrease child support

    If You Disagree

    Internal Review

    You can request a review by a different officer.

    AAT Review

    Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

    Court

    In some circumstances, apply to the Federal Circuit Court.

    Tips

    Do

    - Have genuine reasons with evidence

  • Be honest and thorough
  • Respond to requests promptly

    Don't

    - Apply without real special circumstances

  • Withhold information
  • Expect automatic success
  • Ready to Take Action?

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