Collection of child support debts through third parties (s72A and s72AC) 277-04100000

Child Support may enforce collection of payments through third parties in certain circumstances. Child Support can issue a notice under section 72A of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 (s72A). This notice requires a third party to forward funds to Child Support that it otherwise owes to the customer. Collection through a third party used appropriately, it is an effective method of transferring child support between parents.

When a debtor is not physically present in Australia and is unlikely to return soon, a section 72B notice can be issued requiring a third party to forward funds it holds or controls for amounts already due, and retain money to also pay current amounts before they become overdue.

DVA customers can receive their pensions and benefits through income/disability support or military rehab/compensation payments. Careful consideration must he applied to make sure the correct notice is issued to the correct DVA organisation Child Support Reference Number (CSRN):

• Issue a notice under s72A for military compensation pensions, or
• Issue a notice under s72AC for certain income/disability support payments

See, Collection through Department of Veterans' Affairs on the Resources page for more information.