Child Support Private Collect
To receive Child Support under the Private Collect method, we recommend you put your arrangement in writing and it is signed by both parents.
If you receive Child Support, you can choose this option when we:
- register a court order
- issue a Child Support assessment
- accept a Child Support agreement
We strongly recommend you put your payment arrangement in writing so both of you can see the details you have agreed to. This is so you both keep records and track of what has been paid or received.
If your Child Support payments affect your Family Tax Benefit, a written record is useful if you ever need to ask us to review how your Family Tax Benefit was calculated.
You still need to contact us immediately if your circumstances change, so we can make sure your assessment is still correct. We can deal with most changes quickly and easily over the phone or through Child Support Online Services (currently known as CSAonline).
If we currently transfer payments for you and you want to switch to Private Collect, call us on 131 272 or complete a Request to change payment collection method form or Request for private collection form. You can also let us know that you want to switch to Private Collect through Child Support Online Services (currently known as CSAonline).
How to set up Private Collect
You do not need to tell us about your plans but you and the other parent need to understand and agree about your arrangements. This guide can help you to set up a workable private arrangement.
- After you receive your assessment, agreement or court order, check:
- how much Child Support needs to be paid, and
- if there are any specific instructions (if you have a court order).
- Decide how often payments will be made. For example, weekly, fortnightly, monthly or in lump sum amounts.
- Decide how payments will be made:
Option Handy hint Cash Keep receipts to show the payment was for Child Support. Bank transfer Check with your bank as this could involve a fee. Salary deduction The paying parent should check with their payroll section to see whether this option is available. Personal cheque There may be clearance times for personal cheques. Bank cheque Money orders can be obtained from Australia Post, or money orders and bank cheques through your bank. - Decide if any or all payments will be 'in-kind' or made to third parties.
With in-kind payments, both parents need to agree on what will be done or given in-kind, how much it is worth and how often it will be provided.
With third party payments, both parents can agree upon anything they choose.
If both parents agree that the payments were made instead of paying Child Support payments, then the amount can be credited against the Child Support liability.To apply to have these kinds of payments recognised against your Child Support liability, complete a Non-agency payment details form.
- Put your arrangement in writing, and make sure both you and the other parent have a copy.
If you are the receiving parent, you can ask us to start collecting payments for you at any time.
One late payment doesn’t always mean the arrangement has broken down—there could be a mistake at the bank, a postal delay or another reason. If you can, discuss the problem with the other parent and try to work out a solution.
If you ask us to start collecting payments, we can only collect up to three months in arrears (or up to nine months in special circumstances).
If you want us to start collecting payments for you, call us on 131 272 or complete a Request to change payment collection method form.