How to apply to the SSAT for review of a Child Support decision
On this page:
How to Apply
Applications for child support reviews can be lodged over the
telephone, in writing (using an application form) or in person at
any SSAT office.
Child support applications for review can also be lodged in
writing at any Child Support Agency, Centrelink, Department of
Human Services or Department of Families, Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs office.
When to lodge an Application
Applications for child support reviews must be lodged within 28
days of receipt of the CSA objection decision. If it has been more
than 28 days since the objection decision was received, the
applicant can apply to the SSAT for an extension of time to lodge
an application.
International applicants have additional time to lodge
applications.
International Cases
If you are in a "reciprocating jurisdiction" you have 90 days to lodge an application for an SSAT review. The CSA information should indicate if you are in such a jurisdiction.
Costs
It costs nothing to apply to the SSAT. There are also no
penalties or fees if an application is withdrawn. It is important
to note that the SSAT cannot make orders for costs
against any other party or parties.
The SSAT may pay reasonable public transport travel expenses for a
party to attend the hearing.
Forms
SSAT application forms are available in both Portable Document
Format (PDF) and Rich Text Format (RTF). Hard-copies are available
from any office of the SSAT upon request.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the PDF version of forms.
It is available as a free download from the Adobe web site.
Viewing options and tools to assist with visually impaired access
to PDF files are available at the Adobe Accessibility Resource Centre. RTF
documents can be opened in most major word processing programs
(such as Microsoft Word and WordPerfect).
Application Forms (Child Support reviews)
To apply for a review of a CSA decision by the SSAT, print out
the following application form, complete it and post it to the SSAT
(online application is not yet available). You may want to make a
copy for your own records.
Please note: The SSAT can only review CSA objection
decisions made on or after 1 January 2007.
SSAT Application for Review Form - Child Support
decisions (pdf, 43KB)
SSAT Application for Review Form - Child Support decisions (rtf, 5.6MB)
Applicant Statement of Financial Circumstances (Child Support reviews)
The following form may or may not be required for your child support review - your SSAT case manager will let you know if you need to complete this form. These forms are usually required for all change of assessment reviews.
Applicant Statement of Financial Circumstances (Child Support reviews) (pdf, 50KB)
Applicant Statement of Financial Circumstances (Child Support reviews) (rtf, 3.7MB)
Help
You may wish to contact an organisation in your State or Territory for assistance with your application for review. The organisations listed in the following documents may be able to assist with your child support review however the SSAT can not guarantee whether an organisation will assist in any specific circumstance.
See also:
Information in Other Languages
Australian Capital Territory
CS Review Assistance - ACT (pdf, 32KB)
CS Review Assistance - ACT (rtf, 255KB)
New South Wales
CS Review Assistance - NSW (pdf, 37KB)
CS Review Assistance - NSW(rtf, 268KB)
Northern Territory
This section will be updated shortly.
Queensland
CS Review Assistance - QLD (pdf, 32KB)
CS Review Assistance - QLD (rtf, 254KB)
South Australia
CS Review Assistance - SA (pdf, 31KB)
CS Review Assistance - SA (rtf, 251KB)
Tasmania
CS Review Assistance - TAS (pdf, 31KB)
CS Review Assistance - TAS (rtf, 251KB)
Victoria
CS Review Assistance - VIC (pdf, 32KB)
CS Review Assistance - VIC (rtf, 386KB)
Western Australia
CS Review Assistance - WA (pdf, 35KB)
CS Review Assistance - WA (rtf, 469KB)