What Age Does Child Support Stop?

Child support in Australia normally stops when a child turns 18. But it may be extended until the end of the school year if your child is still in secondary education.

Let's explore terminating events for child support, explaining the exceptions to the general rule that child support ends at age 18.

Key Takeaways

• Child support usually stops when the child turns 18 but can be extended until the end of the school year if the child is still in full-time secondary education.
• Certain unusual events like marriage, adoption, or changes in residency can bring forward the time when you stop paying child support.
• Backdated child support payments may still be required if a parent delays lodging their tax return and it reveals a higher income, even after the child turns 18.

General Rule: Child Support Ends at 18

Child support typically ends at age 18, when they are legally considered an adult. However, this is not always the final word on the matter.

Extension for secondary education

If your child is still in full-time secondary education when they turn 18, child support can continue until the end of the school year. The Department of Human Services (Child Support) will review the payments based on your child’s educational status. You must apply before age 18.

Other terminating events

Certain events can lead to the termination of child support before the child turns 18, though these are rare:

• Death of the Child: Payments stop if the child passes away.
• Adoption: When a child is adopted, previous child support obligations end.
• Marriage or De Facto Relationship: If the child marries or enters a de facto relationship, child support generally ends.
• Change in Residency: Child support may terminate if the child is no longer an Australian citizen, ordinarily resident in Australia, or present in Australia.
• Non-Eligibility of Carers: If neither parent nor any non-parent carers remain eligible to care for the child, payments will cease.
• Parental Rights Termination: In cases where parental rights are legally terminated, the obligation to pay child support also ends.

Child support is payable until the day immediately before the day on which a child support terminating event happens. - Section 31(2) of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989

What happens if a parent delays lodging tax returns?

It’s not uncommon for a parent to have delayed submitting their tax return by the time the child turns 18. This can lead to child support payments being calculated on outdated income information, often resulting in lower payments.

Example scenario

A parent’s child was turning 18 in January 2026, and the other parent hadn’t lodged a tax return for almost three years. The receiving parent was currently getting only a minimal amount in child support based on an inaccurately low reported income. There was concern that if the ex-partner delayed their tax return until after February 2026, they might avoid paying backdated child support once the child was no longer eligible.

Outcome

Even if child support officially ends when the child turns 18, the Child Support Agency (CSA) can amend past liabilities based on updated income information. If a delayed tax return reveals higher income, the parent will still be required to pay any backdated child support owed, even if the return is filed after the child turns 18. The CSA continues to pursue outstanding debts.

Adult child maintenance for special needs

For children with special needs or disabilities who are unable to support themselves financially after turning 18, adult child maintenance can be sought. Unlike regular child support, which typically ends at 18, adult child maintenance is a separate financial support that may be ordered by the court.

This support is designed to help cover the ongoing needs of an adult child who cannot earn an income due to a disability. The receiving parent or the adult child must apply for this maintenance through the court

Parenting Agreements Beyond Age 18

Parenting agreements are arrangements made between parents to outline responsibilities and financial contributions for their children. While child support generally ends when a child turns 18, these agreements can include provisions to continue paying beyond this age.

Extending financial support

Parents may agree to extend financial support past 18 for reasons such as continued education, whether in secondary school, vocational training, or higher education. Support can also be extended if the child has special needs or other circumstances that require ongoing financial assistance.

Beyond education, parenting agreements might include provisions for covering medical expenses, housing, or other forms of support that the child might need as they transition into adulthood. By planning for these contingencies, parents can reduce the likelihood of disputes and provide a smoother path for their child’s future.

Customising the agreement

Parenting agreements offer flexibility and can be customised to reflect the specific needs of the child and the parents’ financial situation. For example, parents might agree to share the costs of education, medical expenses, or living costs for a child who is still dependent, even after turning 18.

Legal standing of private agreements

These agreements can be formalised through a binding child support agreement, which can be registered with the Department of Human Services (Child Support). This ensures that both parties are legally obligated to fulfill their responsibilities as outlined in the agreement.

Flexibility and peace of mind

The flexibility of parenting agreements allows parents to address a wide range of potential scenarios. Whether it’s paying child support during a gap year, assisting with a first job, or providing for special circumstances, these agreements can be tailored to ensure that the child’s needs are adequately met.

By including these provisions in a parenting agreement, parents can maintain a clear, structured approach to supporting their child through the critical transition to adulthood, reflecting the shared commitment to their well-being.

Related: Child Support FAQs