By
CSAs Sheila Bird
Earlier
this year Army News published a letter from a 3RAR soldier about
his child support case.
Defence News approached the Child Support Agency (CSA) for more
information on how the Child Support Scheme (CSS) works and what
impact ADF salaries, benefits and allowances have on assessments.
CSA’s primary purpose is to ensure separated parents meet
financial obligations towards their children.
Defence personnel should not think they are exempt from providing
their children financial support, despite the often unique conditions
under which they serve.
Child support matters can seem difficult and complex, as they
are part of the emotional, financial and legal issues with which
separated people have to deal.
Ideally, a child support system would be perfectly straightforward.
Unfortunately CSS can’t be simple, as it must take into account
an extremely diverse range of people and circumstances. Instead
it tries to balance the complexities to make the process as easy
as possible.
A common question is, “Why is tax-free money considered in
child support assessments, which are supposed to be based on taxable
income?”
Tax-free salary and allowances such as reserve pay are not taken
into account, nor are non-reportable fringe benefits, such as
RA and other forms of housing assistance.
That could change if the parent receiving child support applies
for a change of assessment.
Assessment change applications permit both parents to have the
amount of child support reviewed without having to take the matter
to court, as was required before CSA was established.
Senior Case Officers (SCOs) who are experienced in Family Law,
review applications and they will make a decision based on the
needs of the children and the circumstances of both parents.
They will take into account any special circumstances concerning
children, parents and responsibilities for other people.
This process allows both parents to provide information on their
capacity to financially support their children, thus ensuring
they both have the opportunity to provide all relevant information
for consideration before the SCO makes the final decision.
Change of assessment decisions can increase or decrease a child
support assessment, or leave it unchanged.
While some of the benefits and allowances mentioned can be taken
into account in an assessment change decision, any expenses relating
to those allowances will also considered.
CSA will continue to work closely with organisations such as the
DCO and Defence Families Australia to ensure the special needs
of service personnel and the requirements of the CSS are balanced.
Members needing more information about the CSS should visit www.csa.gov.au
