Application for Child Support to be collected 277-04030000

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This document explains information about applications for collection of child support.

Application for collection

At the time a payee registers their case they can elect to collect child support privately (private collect). The payee can later ask Child Support to collect child support on their behalf (collect), this is generally referred to as 'opting in' for collection.

When a payee opts in they can also request the collection of unpaid child support (opt in arrears) up to a maximum of:

3 months before the day the application was lodged, or
9 months in exceptional circumstances

If a payee opts in and requests arrears of less than 3 months, a new application can be made at any time to extend the opt-in arrears period up to the maximum 3 or 9 months without the need for an objection.

Throughout the life of a case, a payee may apply to change the collection arrangement from private collect to collect or vice versa. Since 1 July 1999, Child Support can also make a case private collect in some circumstances.

The Resources page contains frequently asked questions in relation to considering a request for collection of child support and tools to help Service Officer's process such requests.

Operational Information

Application for Child Support to be collected 277-04030000

Application for collection

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