Can I get my child support amount changed because my income has dropped?

What the Law Says

The Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 sets out when and how a child support assessment can be changed due to a change in income. A parent may request a change of assessment if their circumstances have changed substantially — including a significant drop in income — and it would be just and equitable to do so.

Under Australian law, child support assessments are normally based on the most recent tax return or income estimate. However, if your income has dropped significantly since that assessment — for example, due to job loss, reduced hours, or illness — you can ask Services Australia to reassess your liability.

The law allows for a 'change of assessment' if the change in income is substantial and ongoing, and if continuing the original assessment would cause hardship or be unfair. There’s no fixed percentage drop required, but generally, a reduction of $10,000 or more per year (or proportionally less for low-income earners) is considered significant.

Services Australia must consider whether the change is likely to last for at least 12 months, and whether it affects your capacity to meet your child support obligations fairly.

Statutory Text

The Registrar may change an assessment if satisfied that, because of special circumstances, the assessment does not result in a fair outcome.

— Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, s. 66 — Change of assessment

Statutory Text

A change of assessment may be made only if the change in circumstances is likely to continue for at least 12 months.

— Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, s. 66(3)(b)

What to Do

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