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 social security payments. 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.

2.3 Child support periods

Introduction

This chapter describes the start and end dates of child support periods and which financial year of income the Registrar will use when making an assessment for a child support period.

WA ex-nuptial cases

The information in this chapter applies to WA ex-nuptial children. See 1.4 and 2.3.4 for details of the date from which various provisions had effect.

Frequently asked questions

Will a new child support agreement always start a new child support period?

No. In an existing case, a child support agreement will start a new child support period only if it affects the rate of child support payable.

The date that the new child support period starts will depend on the date of the application for acceptance of the agreement, the date the agreement was signed, the terms of the agreement and the date on which child support first became payable under the administrative assessment. If a case starts with a child support agreement, a new child support period starts on the day the application was made to the Registrar for acceptance of the agreement.

Does a change of assessment or departure order start a new child support period?

No. Nor does a child support period end when the change of assessment decision or departure order ends.

Does a child support period end at the end of a child support agreement, change of assessment decision, or departure order?

No. The existing assessment continues after the end of a child support agreement, change of assessment decision or departure order. The case will revert to the usual formula assessment for the rest of the child support period. The last relevant year of income will stay the same (the last year of income that ended before the start of the period).

The Registrar may be required to make a new assessment if a later tax assessment has issued during the life of the agreement, change of assessment decision or departure. If so, it will make the assessment during the last month that the decision, order or agreement had effect, and it will apply to a child support period that starts on the first day of the following month.

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