Child Support Exempt

[Abigail]

Has anyone lodged a child support exemption and is able to tell me the process that you have to go through in order to be considered? I dont even know where to start or who to call? I presume I would need to talk to Centrelink first and then the child support agency themselves, who do I ask to speak to? Can I just call? What department? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[briggsy's girl]

it depends on the reason for the need for the child support exemption. it generally needs to be referred via FAO to a c'link social worker who will look at the reasons and decide from there. there are some circumstances where you need to apply for child support and have it refused before a social worker can assess it though

paternity/parentage unknown - you'll need to speak to social worker, and discuss the situation. if it's a case of the other parent not signing paperwork (registering birth) or could be the child of one of a couple of people, you'll be given a short term exemption to follow up with legal aid to try and prove paternity
domestic violence - you may be asked to show evidence. obviously not of the actual violence but if you've been forced to leave the home, you may be asked to show AVO's etc. this will be reviewed periodically for some people depending on the circumstances.
paying parent overseas in a non-reciprocal country - there are countries overseas with similar child support expectations so they will help CSA chase the paying parent to make them pay. if they are not in one of these countries you need to show the rejection letter to the social worker and they will follow up the exemption

i'd suggest giving FAO a call with your circs (you don't have to go into detail, but obviously you'll need to give a little info) - and arrange a referral (generally by phone to start) to speak with a social worker

[Abigail]

Thank you for your reply Ive tried calling FAO twice now, the first time I was told someone will ring me back with an appointment time as only our local office can make appointments for themselves. I asked if they could leave a message with details and was told yes no worries. Came home from work to no message, rang again and was told they arent allowed to leave a message So then had to go through it all again and the lovely young man tried very hard to get me through to a social worker (I think to stop my crying at him ) and wasnt able to, they were meant to call back again yesterday but I didnt hear a thing. I just want help and to talk to someone who can help us!!

[megs]

Sorry to hear you haven't been called back Abigail, try calling again and if you must ask to speak to a supervisor, explain your situation and the urgency of needing to speak to someone and that you have been twice told you would be called back but haven't. Hopefully that will get some action happening.