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If you’ve decided to separate
Updating your personal details
If you’ve decided to separate from your partner, you’ll need to make sure you update your personal information. This may include your home address and bank account details. You should do this as soon as possible so your information is safe.
Find out how to update your details with us and keep your personal information safe.
If you’re already getting a payment from us and are now renting, we’ll automatically check if you can get rent assistance.
Getting child support
After separation, you’ll need to work out arrangements for your children. This includes finances, property and learning about child support.
Applying for a child support assessment can take time. If you need one, you should apply for it as soon as possible.
You can start a new child support case online.
Getting spousal support
Spousal support is financial support paid by one person to an ex-partner. If you have a spousal or de facto maintenance order, you may be able to register it with us.
Find out more about registering a maintenance order or court registered maintenance agreement.
There are rules if the maintenance liability is made outside Australia and in a reciprocating jurisdiction. Find out more about registering a maintenance liability made outside Australia.
If you need a payment from us
If you need financial help, find out what payments you may get. After you separate, you may be able to get different payments or the amount you get may change.
Family Tax Benefit can help with the cost of raising children.
Parenting Payment is the main income support payment while you’re a young child’s main carer.
Child Care Subsidy can help with the cost of child care.
Additional Child Care Subsidy gives some families extra assistance with the cost of approved child care.
Looking for work or working casual hours
JobSeeker Payment offers financial help if you’re between 22 and the Age Pension age. This payment is also for when you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study.
Studying or retraining
If you’re considering re-entering the workforce, you may want to retrain or increase your skills. There’s support available for retraining.
Youth Allowance for students and apprentices can help people aged 24 or younger who are studying full time or doing a full time Australian Apprenticeship.
Austudy is the main income support payment if you’re 25 or older and a full time student or Australian Apprentice.
ABSTUDY is financial help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and Australian Apprentices.
If you need legal support
Updating legal arrangements
At some stage during your separation, you may need to update legal documents and arrangements like your will, power of attorney and next of kin.
Find out what other legal tasks you may need to do in our guide for newly separated parents.
Going to court
The Family Court of Australia has information about how to apply for a divorce and other orders for separated parents.
Each Australian state and territory has legal aid, community legal centres, and other legal help for families. There’s a list of these organisations on the Attorney-General’s Department website.
If you experience family violence
Find out how we can help if you’re worried about family and domestic violence during separation.
If you need financial information
If you’re going through a hard time financially, there is help available. You can get free financial help and information, find a financial counsellor or get help with debt.
Our Financial Information Service (FIS) Officers provide free, independent and confidential information, tools and resources that can help you make informed decisions about your current and future financial needs. FIS Officers can talk to you about different financial products and options that may be available to you, to help you build your money skills.
If you need emotional support
Getting help over the phone
Call 000 (triple zero) if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
For counselling and support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For support during a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
MensLine offers telephone and online counselling for men.
Our social workers can help you with counselling, support and information during difficult times.
Getting help online
Family Relationships Online have a range of services and information for parenting after separation.
Relationships Australia offer counselling and family dispute resolution or mediation.