Child support is the financial support paid by parents to help with the costs of a child aged under 18.
The law says that both parents have a duty to support their children financially, whether they are biological (birth) or adoptive parents, same-sex or otherwise.
Find out how you can get Other support for parenting arrangements, child contact and child support.
The Child Support Scheme is managed by Services Australia (Child , a Commonwealth Government agency. For more information about the child support scheme, go to the Parent’s guide to child . If you look after the children but are not their parent, you may be able to apply to Services Australia to receive child support from one or both parents.
Contact the Services Australia Child Support enquiry (131 272) if you have questions about child support.
If your child is 18 or over and they are studying or have a disability they may be able to get adult child maintenance.
Family violence and child support
Financial or economic abuse is a form of family violence. This can happen when a parent:
- avoids paying child support
- provides false information about their income
- misuses the child support procedures and legal processes.
Read more information about child support , or report it by calling the Services Australia Fraud Tip-Off on 131 524.
More information
Family Tax Benefit and child support
Disagree with a child support decision
Adult child maintenance for over-18s
Proving who the other parent is
Other support
Contact Child Support at Services if you have questions about child support. They are responsible for handling all child support matters.
For help from our Child Support Legal Service, please use our online form Enquire about a child support . We will assess the child support service you need. Some of our child support information services are available to everyone, while other more intensive services are offered to people who need it the most.
Find out how you can get other support for parenting arrangements, child contact and child support.
Publications and resources
Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.
We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Reviewed 07 March 2024