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Customer cannot make private arrangement for Stage 1 child - Maintenance Action Test (MAT) 277-51070070

This 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.

Satisfy the Maintenance Action Test (MAT) for a Stage 1 child

Step	Action
1	Customer wishes to apply for an exemption Does the customer wish to apply for an exemption from seeking child support, for example identity of parent unknown, fear of domestic and family violence, etc. Yes, see Exemptions from seeking child support for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) customers. Procedure ends here No, go to Step 2
2	Proof of parentage Is evidence of parentage available? Yes, go to Step 4 No, go to Step 3
3	Legal Aid can assist with evidence of parentage Refer customer to Legal Aid for help to obtain evidence of parentage. The customer may provide legal advice that evidence cannot be obtained. Record details on a DOC. Procedure ends here.
4	Determine if customer wants to apply for child support Does customer wish to apply for child support? Yes, go to Step 5 No, go to Step 6
5	Refer customer to Legal Aid Refer customer to Legal Aid to seek a court order. Court orders for a Stage 1 child can be enforced by Child Support. The customer may provide legal advice that action is unlikely to be successful, for example payer on low income. Record details on a DOC. Procedure ends here.
6	The customer fails the Maintenance Action Test (MAT). Update the MAT code for the child to 'NMA' from the date the customer failed to take reasonable action. This will limit Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A to base rate for that child. Record details on a DOC.