Can I Request a Child Support Reassessment?
Yes, you can request a child support reassessment if there’s been a change in your circumstances or your child’s needs. A reassessment helps ensure that the amount you pay—or receive—remains fair and accurate over time.
Whether you’re the paying parent or the receiving one, understanding when and how to apply for a reassessment is important for staying on top of your obligations and rights.
When can you request a child support reassessment?
You can apply for a reassessment when there has been a significant change in circumstances since the last assessment. Some common reasons include:
- A change in either parent’s income
- One parent taking on more care of the child
- A new child from another relationship
- Medical costs for a child with special needs
- Changes in work capacity due to illness or injury
You don’t have to wait for a set period to pass. If the current arrangement no longer reflects your situation, you can apply at any time. It’s a way to keep the assessment in line with what’s fair for everyone involved, especially the child.
Key takeaway: You can request a reassessment anytime your financial, care, or family situation changes in a meaningful way.
How do you apply for a reassessment?
You can request a reassessment by contacting Services Australia’s Child Support division and completing a “Change of Assessment – Special Circumstances” form. This form allows you to explain why you believe the existing assessment should be changed.
You’ll need to provide:
- Detailed reasons for the reassessment
- Evidence to support your claim (e.g., payslips, medical bills, proof of care arrangements)
- Information about your current income and expenses
You can lodge the application online, by post, or over the phone. Once your application is submitted, a case officer will be assigned to assess your situation and may contact both parents for further details.
Key takeaway: A formal application with supporting documents is required—prepare ahead to avoid delays.
What happens after you apply?
After you submit your reassessment request, Services Australia will review the information you’ve provided and may contact both parties for further clarification. You and the other parent will have the chance to comment on each other’s claims. The decision will be based on the merits of the application, the evidence submitted, and the current child support guidelines.
The process can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly both parties respond. If approved, the new assessment may be backdated to the date the application was lodged.
Key takeaway: Both parents are involved in the process, and decisions are made based on fairness and evidence.
Can you appeal the decision?
Yes. If you’re unhappy with the outcome, you can:
- Request a review from the original decision-maker (within a specified time frame)
- Lodge an objection under the formal Child Support objection process
- If still dissatisfied, apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for further review
Keep in mind that appeals must be made within strict time limits, and you’ll generally need to explain why you believe the decision was incorrect.
Key takeaway: You have the right to challenge a reassessment decision, but you’ll need to act quickly and support your claims.
Should you get legal advice?
In more complex situations—like disputes over income, care percentages, or special needs expenses—it may help to speak with a family lawyer or community legal centre. Legal advice is particularly useful if you’re thinking about applying to court for a reassessment instead of going through Services Australia.
Some legal aid organisations offer free or low-cost advice, especially if you’re experiencing financial hardship or family violence.
Key takeaway: Legal advice can help you understand your rights, prepare stronger applications, and navigate disputes more effectively.
A child support reassessment is designed to keep your payments fair and responsive to changes in life. Whether you’re the paying parent or the one receiving support, staying informed and acting early can help you avoid conflict and make sure your child’s needs continue to be met.
If you’re unsure about your next step, start by gathering your documents and speaking with Services Australia, or reach out to a family lawyer for advice tailored to your situation.
Director of Melbourne Family Lawyers, Hayder manages the practice and oversees the running of all of the files in the practice. Hayder has an astute eye for case strategy and running particularly complex matters in the family law system.
