Victoria Legal Aid
Quick exit

Disagreeing with a child support decision

If you disagree with a decision made by Services Australia (Child Support) you may be able to appeal the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.

On this page:

If you don’t agree with a child support decision, you may be able to ask for a review of that decision.

You can get an internal, external or judicial review, depending on your circumstances.

You can request an internal review of some decisions made by Services Australia (Child Support). This is managed by someone who was not involved in making the original decision. For information about the process and time limits, refer to Objections to child support decisionsExternal Link .

You can request an external review of some child support decisions to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). This is an independent tribunal. For information about applying and steps in a review, refer to Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) websiteExternal Link .

You can request a judicial review or court appeal of an AAT decision on legal questions only.

The Child Support Guide on the Department of Social Services website has detailed information about how you can object, seek a review or appeal and apply to courtExternal Link .

Time limits

There are time limits to lodge a review or ‘objection’. If you plan to ask for a review of a child support decision, you should do this quickly. The time limit is usually 28 days from the day you get the child support decision. It’s important to remember that it can also take time to get help with child support.

More information

Child support agreements

Child support assessment

Child support payments

Family Tax Benefit and child support

Adult child maintenance for over-18s

Proving who the other parent is

Childbirth expenses

Other support

Find out how you can get other support for parenting arrangements, child contact and child support.

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 12 April 2022

In this section

Related links