Child support guide
Private Collect or Child Support Collect?
The child support amount and the way payments are collected are separate decisions. Services Australia may determine the amount under either method; the practical difference is who manages the payments.
Private CollectThe parties arrange and exchange payments themselves.
Child Support CollectServices Australia receives and transfers the payments.
Reviewed against official guidance
At a glance
How the two methods compare
Neither method changes the underlying liability. The choice changes who administers the movement of money and what each person must manage.
| Practical question | Private Collect | Child Support Collect |
|---|---|---|
| Who handles the payment | The parties make and receive payments directly. Services Australia can still determine the amount under an assessment. | The paying parent pays Services Australia. Services Australia transfers the money to the receiving parent after it is received. |
| Timing and payment method | The parties agree how and when payment will happen, consistently with any assessment, agreement or court order. | Services Australia manages the collection cycle. The paying parent chooses an available payment method and follows the due dates that apply. |
| Flexibility | The parties can agree to non-cash payments or payments to a third party, including some expenses, and should record what was agreed and its value. | Payments generally move through Services Australia. Some direct or third-party payments may be recognised under separate rules. |
| Direct communication | The parties usually need to discuss payment details, changes and shortfalls directly. | Services Australia sits between the parties for collection, reducing the need to discuss payment administration directly. |
| Records | Both parties should keep clear records of each payment, the period it covers and any agreed non-cash arrangement. | Services Australia keeps account records for payments it collects and amounts due. |
| Late or missing payments | The parties must respond to the shortfall. The receiving parent may ask Services Australia to begin collecting, but time limits can restrict which earlier arrears are collected. | Services Australia can take collection action for overdue amounts. This does not guarantee payment or a particular recovery time. |
| Collection and enforcement support | Services Australia is not routinely collecting the liability. Private debt disputes may require advice, negotiation, mediation or court action. | Services Australia can use its collection powers, but only transfers money after it receives it. |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A | FTB Part A may be based on the child support you are assessed to receive, even if the full amount is not collected in most circumstances. | FTB Part A treatment can reflect child support actually received. The effect depends on your circumstances and may change when the collection method changes. |
| Changing method | The receiving parent can ask to move to Child Support Collect. Only some arrears from the Private Collect period may be collectible. | A request can be made to move to Private Collect. The receiving parent must agree to a change in collection method. |
The DSS Child Support Guide also uses “agency collect” for Child Support Collect. Read the official collection-types guidance. Sources: Services Australia’s comparison of collection options, Private Collect guidance and Child Support Collect guidance.
A neutral framework
What should you think about?
There is no single best method for every family. Consider how the day-to-day arrangement would work, not just how it sounds in principle.
Is discussing money directly safe for everyone involved?
Are payments likely to be complete and on time?
Can both parties keep clear, consistent payment records?
Is flexibility in timing or the form of payment important?
Would having Services Australia between the parties reduce conflict or administration?
Could the method affect Family Tax Benefit Part A?
Safety and financial control
Direct collection should also feel safe.
If direct collection is difficult or unsafe—including because of family violence, financial abuse or financial control—discuss your collection options with Services Australia. You can also ask to speak with a social worker.
When circumstances change
If Private Collect stops working
The receiving parent may be able to ask Services Australia to start collecting. That does not mean every unpaid private amount will automatically become collectible.
The current arrears window
Up to 3 months in normal circumstances, or up to 9 months where Services Australia is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances.
The window applies immediately before the liability first becomes enforceable under Child Support Collect. Services Australia must be satisfied that the claimed amounts were not paid. Exceptional circumstances depend on the facts and may require evidence.
Keep bank records, receipts and written details of what each payment covered. Time limits matter, so discuss a shortfall promptly with Services Australia or an appropriate adviser.
Read the DSS rules for collecting arrears from a Private Collect period.
Changing collection method
How to make a request
A request is made through Services Australia. This page does not accept or submit applications.
- 1
Check who can request the change
The receiving parent can ask to move from Private Collect to Child Support Collect. Services Australia says a collection-method change requires the receiving parent’s agreement.
- 2
Choose an official request channel
Use a linked Child Support online account through myGov, the official CS1979 form, or contact Services Australia’s Child Support enquiry service.
Read the Child Support online account instructionsOpen the CS1979 collection-method form
- 3
Raise any arrears or FTB questions
Tell Services Australia about unpaid amounts and ask how the change may affect your Family Tax Benefit Part A. The outcome depends on the individual record and circumstances.
Sources and boundaries
Official guidance used
These links are the primary sources used to prepare this page. Official guidance can change, so check it before acting.