Collection of Child Support payments
We can advise you how much Child Support needs to be paid based on your Child Support assessment and you can ask us to transfer Child Support.
We then collect the payment from the paying parent and transfer it to the receiving parent. We transfer the whole payment.
When payments are due
The paying parent chooses whether to make weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. Payments are due seven days after the chosen payment period.
Payments are not in advance, which means that payments are for the past week, fortnight or month (not the upcoming week, fortnight or month).
Paying parents receive a payer account statement from us each month. If you register for Child Support Online Services (currently known as CSAonline), you’ll receive your statements electronically.
When payments are made
We now transfer payments as soon as they become available. You may receive a Child Support payment on any business day from the eighth of the month onwards. The exact date depends on when we receive the payment and the way the payment is made.
Receiving parents will receive a payment when:
- the paying parent has made the payment and we’ve received it
- there is at least $5.00 available to transfer
- the receiving parent’s account details are correct—that is, the branch number (BSB) and account number are correct, and
- the receiving parent’s name matches the account name.
Receiving parents can receive payments by nominating an Australian bank account. The other option is to receive Child Support from us by cheque.
If you’re a receiving parent and want to know when you’ve received a Child Support payment register for Child Support Online Services (currently known as CSAonline) to get email alerts.
How payments can be made
The paying parent chooses how to make payments. Please note we don’t accept cash payments.
To make sure payments are allocated correctly and without delay, always include your 16-digit payment reference number with your payments (you can find it on your payer account statement).
If you do not have your payment reference number or need more information about your payment options, call the Payments Hotline on 1800 241 272.