Child Support in Victoria

Child support payments in Victoria are somewhat below the national average because incomes in the state are lower than in states such as New South Wales and Western Australia. However, child support is assessed case by case, and some Victorian parents pay large amounts.

Parent and child in Victoria, Australia

Let’s see how child support works in Victoria, where to go for help, what child support covers, and how to estimate payments correctly.

Child support calculator

Child support in Victoria is calculated under a national formula administered by Services Australia using the statutory formula set out in the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989. The calculation is based on income and care.

You can estimate child support using the child support calculator. A parent in Geelong, Wodonga, or regional Gippsland uses the same formula as a parent in inner Melbourne. The formula does not adjust for differences in rent, housing costs, or living expenses between states or cities.

How much is child support in Victoria?

There is no fixed amount of child support in Victoria. The amount depends on:

  • The parents’ taxable incomes
  • The number and ages of children
  • How care is shared between parents

For low-income cases, the law sets statutory minimum and fixed rates, which apply uniformly across Australia. To understand how child support amounts are determined, see How Much Is Child Support in Australia?

Assessments, changes, and reviews

Child support assessments are not fixed and often change multiple times per year. Services Australia can reassess payments when, for example, a personal income tax return is processed, the care percentage changes, or a parent applies for a change of assessment.

  • Most changes and reviews are handled administratively through Services Australia, without the need for court involvement.
  • Parents can request reassessments by Services Australia, lodge objections, and seek internal reviews where they disagree with an outcome.

In Victoria, assessment and review processes operate under the national child support scheme and are managed through Services Australia. Some court-related disputes may be dealt with through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, including registries serving Melbourne and regional Victoria.

What does child support cover in Victoria?

Child support funds are intended to contribute to the ongoing costs of raising children. In Victoria, including Melbourne, child support can be used for a range of ordinary child-related and household expenses. However, there are normally no rules around how a parent spends the funds they receive.

Common expenses covered by child support

  • Food. Groceries and meals.
  • Clothing. Everyday wear, school uniforms, and seasonal needs.
  • Housing. Rent, mortgage payments, and utilities.
  • Education. General school fees, textbooks, and necessary supplies.
  • Medical care. Routine healthcare, including doctor visits and medications.

The receiving parent can allocate the funds as they see fit, whether toward school costs, AFL footy membership, transport, medical needs, or other household costs.

Related: What Does Child Support Cover in Australia?

Child support office and contact details in Victoria

Administrative child support matters are handled nationally by Services Australia. Child support is not administered by the Victorian state government.

infographic showing Victoria on a map of Australia with Services Australia logos and icons representing child support assessments, payments, enquiries, and government services.

Parents in Victoria contact Services Australia for assessments, payments and collections, changes to income or care, and general child support enquiries. Official contact details and guidance are available on the Child Support Agency Contact page.

The Victorian Government may be involved with related services, such as housing support, schools, family violence services, or state-based legal help. But child support assessment and collection are Commonwealth responsibilities.

The Services Australia contact page explains how to locate a nearby service centre if in-person assistance is needed.

When does child support end in Victoria?

Child support often ends when a child turns 18 but may be extended to the end of Year 12.

Victoria uses a school starting age cut-off of 30 April (you must turn 5 before this date to start Kindergarten that year), meaning many students turn 18 during Year 12. Child support can continue beyond the 18th birthday until the end of Year 12 if the receiving parent applies for an extension. The Child over 18 in full time secondary education form (CS2716) can be completed online in my.gov.au.

University study does not extend child support without a court application for an adult child maintenance order. Some Victorian students start first-year uni at 17 after finishing VCE and their cases will almost always end when they turn 18.

Related: What Age Does Child Support Stop?