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Separated families

Families going through separation can get help with the changes they face. This includes information, financial help and wellbeing support that recognises each family is unique and the separation experience is different for everybody.

Support is available to separated families to help with things such as child support payments, family assistance, counselling, and changes with your Medicare card.

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Who does this information apply to?

Changes to Family Tax Benefit and Youth Allowance

From 1 January 2012, Family Tax Benefit and Youth Allowance are changing under the Supporting Families with Teenagers measure

This information is for people in separated families, including:

  • the parents of the children
  • the children of separated families
  • non-parent carers such as a legal guardian, a grandparent or another family member

Financial support

If you and the other parent separate, both of you need to make some immediate decisions such as:

  • what, how and when you will tell your children you are separating
  • where your children will live and who will take care of them
  • how you will support yourselves and your children
  • who will pay outstanding bills or debts
  • who will stay in the family home and how the rent or mortgage will be paid
  • what will happen to any joint bank accounts

Child support payments and family assistance are closely linked. The amount of child support you pay or receive will determine how much family assistance you receive. You do not need to be divorced to get help. Call child support on 13 1272 or visit the website to find out more about calculating and transferring child support.

Tools - Child support website
  • Child support estimator
    Calculate an estimate of what your child support and family assistance payments might be
  • Care estimator
    Calculate and display the total nights of care, care percentage and care level used in estimating child support payments
  • Apply for child support assessment
    You can complete this form online
  • Self help quiz
    A quick quiz to help you check your own health and wellbeing following separation, and offer pathways to assist
  • Managing your money budget tool
    Simple steps to prepare your own budget from income through to shopping and regular bills
  • Child support Online Services
    Once you’ve registered a case with the child support program, enrol to do your child support business at a time convenient to you.

If you are unemployed, Newstart Allowance provides financial support while you are looking for work. There are also options if you are already receiving a Centrelink payment. Firstly, you will need to let us know that your circumstances have changed.

Support services

If you have or are experiencing family violence, there are a number of resources, services and options available.

You can access Centrelink's Social Worker Network if you are having personal or family difficulties, including family violence. You can speak to a social worker by phoning Centrelink on 13 1794, or you can make an appointment at your local Centrelink Service Centre. If you are in severe financial hardship because you have experienced an extreme circumstance such as family violence, you may be able to apply for a Crisis Payment.

You can also call child support on 13 1272 for a referral to general counselling services, including the Family Relationships Advice Line, Parentline, Mensline, Lifeline and Kids Helpline. The Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321 provides information on relationship issues and advice on parenting arrangements after separation.

A variety of support products for parents, teens and children can be ordered free of charge by:

The parent's guide to child support

The parents guide booklet explains how to get started after separation.

More information

Health services

Medicare cards

Following separation, you may need to apply for a new card without the other person's name on it, by completing the 'Application to copy or transfer from one Medicare card to another'.You may also need to update your Medicare Safety Net details, address, bank account, phone number or other details.

Once children have reached 15 years of age they can enrol for their own Medicare card. If you change your name, you will need a new Medicare card. To get this you will need to take documents showing the change to your local Service Centre.

To update your Medicare Safety Net details following separation you can call 132 011 or visit your local Service Centre.

More information

Immunisation records

Children under seven years of age who are enrolled in Medicare are automatically included on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. You can get a copy of your child's immunisation details at any time from the register. Your child has to be up to date with immunisation, or have an exemption, for you to get Child Care Benefit and Maternity Immunisation Allowance.

More information

Non-parent carers

As a legal guardian, grandparent or carer you can claim Medicare benefits to cover the medical expenses for the children in your care. If you are the primary carer you can add the children in your care to your Medicare card.

More information

Services available

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