Child Support Agency's new Child Support Scheme – effective 1 July 2008

This information is provided for guidance only and any questions or concerns members have regarding the new scheme should be directed to the Child Support Agency.

The Child Support Agency (CSA) website contains information on the new Child Support Scheme (the new Scheme), including fact sheets and child support payment estimator.

The new Scheme changes the way child support payments are calculated. Specific changes include recognising that providing care and making child support payments are both ways to contribute to the cost of raising a child.

How Scheme changes may affect ADF members on posting

Example 1 – Member A is posting to the same locality as their child

Member A will soon be living in the same posting locality as their child. Once there, Member A will spend more time with their child, and make greater contributions to their child's accommodation, food and entertainment. Under the new Scheme, Member A's child support payments will reduce to reflect the new level of care they provide their child.

Example 2 – Member B is posting away from their child's locality

Member B will soon be moving away from the same posting locality as their child. When this happens, Member B won't see their child as often, and so will reduce their contribution to their child's accommodation, food and entertainment. Under the new Scheme, Member B's child support payments will increase to reflect the reduced level of care they provide their child.

Members deployed or deploying overseas

The Child Support Schemes, both old and new, contain policy specific to ADF personnel serving in war-like zones. Further information can be found in sub-clause 2.6.14 of CSA's online law and policy guide for the new Scheme.

• Child Support Scheme information – www.csa.gov.au/schemereforms/index.aspx

Last updated: 23 July 2008