Life doesn’t stand still — incomes change, care arrangements shift, and children grow older. That’s why child support isn’t set forever. Parents can ask for a reassessment when circumstances change.

Common Reasons for Reassessment

• Change in income – one parent earns more or less than before.

• Change in care – children start spending more or fewer nights with a parent.

• Child turns 18 – payments usually stop, unless the child is still in high school (then up to 19).

• New children – if either parent has new children, the formula adjusts.

How to Request a Reassessment

Parents can apply through Services Australia for a new assessment. The new calculation will take updated details into account.

Example:
Sarah was paying $200 a week when she earned $80,000. After losing her job, she applied for reassessment and her payments dropped to the minimum rate.

What if You Don’t Apply?

If you don’t ask for reassessment, the original payment continues. This means you might overpay or underpay, leading to debt or disputes later.

Special Circumstances

Sometimes parents can apply for a Change of Assessment if the formula doesn’t reflect their situation. For example:

• A child develops special medical needs,

• A parent has unusually high costs to maintain contact with the child (e.g. travel).

Key Takeaway

Child support is not a fixed figure. It can be reassessed whenever life changes. Parents should act quickly if income, care arrangements, or children’s circumstances shift, to avoid unfair payments.