Fill Out Child Support Change of Assessment Application (CS1970) Online
Application to change your assessment - special circumstances form
Services Australia
Applies to change a child support assessment because of special circumstances.
Reviewed July 2026
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Form CS1970 is the Services Australia application to change a child support assessment in special circumstances. A standard assessment is worked out by formula from both parents' incomes and care arrangements, and this form is the administrative way to ask for a departure from that formula when the result does not fairly reflect a family's actual situation.
You can fill out CS1970 directly in the Universal PDF editor. Enter your details, select the grounds that apply, and set out your circumstances with supporting evidence, then download the completed PDF to sign and lodge with Services Australia. Because the process involves both parents, expect the other parent to receive a copy of the application and a chance to respond.
What is Form CS1970 used for
The form starts the change of assessment process under child support law. The legislation groups the acceptable special circumstances into a set list of reasons, covering matters such as the costs of spending time with or communicating with a child, a child's special needs, the impact of the income, property, financial resources, or earning capacity of either parent, and other situations where the formula assessment produces an unfair result.
A decision maker reviews the application, the other parent's response, and the financial details of both parties before deciding whether to change the assessment, and by how much. The decision can move the assessment up or down, so an application does not guarantee a lower liability for the person who applies.
Who applies with Form CS1970
Either parent in a child support case can apply, and in some cases a non parent carer involved in the case may also be able to. The applicant needs to identify which of the listed reasons applies and provide evidence about income, expenses, and the circumstances relied on.
Because both parties' financial affairs are examined, the other parent is normally given a copy of the application and asked to respond with their own details. If you have concerns about your safety or about your information being shared, contact Services Australia before lodging so the options can be explained.
How to fill out Form CS1970
Prepare your financial records before you start, then work through the form carefully:
- Enter your personal and child support case details so the application is matched to the right assessment.
- Select the reason or reasons for the change from the list of special circumstances in the form.
- Explain your circumstances in your own words, stating what change you are asking for and the period it should cover.
- Complete the income, expense, asset, and liability questions so your financial position is clear.
- Attach evidence supporting each claim, such as receipts, statements, or reports.
- Sign and date the declaration before lodging.
How to submit it
Lodge the completed form and attachments with Services Australia. Documents can generally be uploaded through your Child Support online account via myGov, or posted to the child support address shown in the form's instructions. Keep copies of everything you send.
Services Australia publishes guidance on the change of assessment process, including the current list of reasons and what evidence helps, at servicesaustralia.gov.au. Reading it before applying makes it easier to choose the right reason and period.
Frequently asked questions
Generally yes. The change of assessment process is two sided, so the other parent usually receives a copy of the application and is invited to respond with their own financial details before a decision is made.
Yes. The decision maker looks at the whole picture for both parents, and the outcome can increase, decrease, or leave the assessment unchanged, whichever the circumstances support.
There are limits on how far back an administrative change can reach, so apply promptly once circumstances change. Check the current rules with Services Australia, since older periods can require a court application.
Child support law lists specific reasons, including high costs of spending time with a child, a child's special needs, and situations where a parent's income, property, financial resources, or earning capacity makes the formula result unfair. The form and the Services Australia website set out the full current list.
No, the administrative process is designed to be used without one. Some people still choose to get legal advice, especially where finances are complex or court proceedings are already on foot.
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