Disagree with a child support decision

Disagree with a child support decision
Many decisions made by Services Australia (Child Support) can now be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
The decisions must first be reviewed by a Services Australia objections officer. You must appeal within 28 days of that decision.
Ask Services Australia to review the decision
If you don’t agree with a child support decision, you can send a written objection to Services Australia explaining why you disagree with the decision.
The Child Support Guide has detailed information about how you can object, seek a review or appeal and apply to court.
Appealing to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) is an independent tribunal that provides a two-tier system of review.
AAT first review
At the first review stage the AAT can review most objection decisions. This includes decisions about:
- a change of assessment
- level of care of the children
- estimates of income
- non-agency payments
- extension of the 28-day time limit.
It is important that you get legal advice if you are considering appealing a decision.
AAT second review
If you disagree with a first review of the AAT on the level of care or a refusal of an extension of time, then you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a second review of that decision.
For all other first review decisions made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal you can only appeal to a court on a question of law.
More information
Family Tax Benefit and child support
Adult child maintenance for over-18s
Get help
Find out how you can get help with child support.