The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

2.4.2 When do child support periods end?

Context

When the Registrar makes a new child support assessment (1.1.C.70), both the old assessment and CSP (1.1.C.150) will end. The new CSP starts on the day after the former CSP ends.

Explanation

A CSP will end at whichever of the following days occur first (section 7A(3)):

  • CSP 15-month rule - a CSP cannot exceed 15 months (section 7A(3)(a)). The CSP will end on the day 15 months after the start of the period.
  • Income tax assessment has issued - the Registrar will make a new assessment when an income tax assessment has issued for one of the parents (1.1.P.10). The current CSP will end (section 7A(3)(b)):
    • on the last day of the calendar month in which the Registrar makes the new assessment on or before the 15th day of the calendar month, or
    • on the last day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which the Registrar makes the new assessment after the 15th day of the calendar month.
  • The Registrar has accepted a child support agreement (section 7A(3)(c) to (d)), - the CSP in an existing case will end on the day before the rate of child support changes.

Act reference: CSA Act section 7A Meaning of child support period

Policy reference: CS Guide 2.4.1 When do child support periods start?

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