Published: 3 July 2026
If you get Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and are separated from the other parent, you must take reasonable action to get child support.
Both parents are responsible for financially supporting the child.
You need to take reasonable action to get child support within 91 days of separation.
If you don’t, your FTB Part A may be reduced to the base rate for that child.
If you can’t apply for child support, talk to us about your situation. You may be able to get an exemption so your FTB Part A isn’t reduced.
Find out more about why you need to apply for child support while you get FTB Part A.
This information was printed 3 July 2026 from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/what-you-need-to-do-if-youre-separated-and-getting-family-tax-benefit. It may not include all of the relevant information on this topic. Please consider any relevant site notices at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/site-notices when using this material.