Customer cannot make private arrangement for Stage 1 child - Maintenance Action Test (MAT) 277-51070070
Expand allThis document outlines how the Maintenance Action Test (MAT) can be satisfied by Family Tax Benefit (FTB) customers when there is no arrangement in place to receive child support for a Stage 1 child.
Stage 1 non private child support arrangement
The MAT can be satisfied by collecting any amount of child support for a Stage 1 child if there is no court order or court registered agreement for child support. Child support details should initially be verbally provided by customers.
Customers may not be able to make a private arrangement because:
- it is unknown where the parent is living
- the customer does not wish to contact the parent
- the parent cannot afford to pay child support
- the parent refuses to pay child support
- evidence of parentage cannot be obtained
To satisfy the MAT, customers must either:
- seek a court order for child support
- seek legal help to obtain proof of parentage
- provide legal advice that a court order or evidence of parentage cannot be obtained
- apply for and be granted an exemption from seeking child support
- if a customer advises a change in child support details for a Stage 1 child, both action taken to obtain child support and maintenance income should be checked
Related links
Centrelink action on proving parentage for child support
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) customers with court order or a court registered agreement
Exemptions from seeking child support for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) customers
Maintenance Action Test (MAT) for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) customers