Proof of care arrangements refers to the documentation or evidence that shows who is responsible for looking after a child after the parents separate.
This information is used by government agencies like Services Australia to determine your eligibility for family assistance payments, such as Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and child support.
It confirms how much care each parent provides and helps calculate payment rates fairly.
Understanding Care Arrangements
When you and your former partner separate, one of the most important steps involves working out who will care for your children and when.
These care arrangements describe how your child’s time is split between parents or guardians.
They can be informal (verbal agreements) or formal (legally binding documents like court orders or parenting plans).
Formal care arrangements are often preferred for government processes because they are clear and verifiable.
Services Australia and other bodies use them to assess your percentage of care and calculate entitlements or obligations accordingly.
Key Takeaway: Care arrangements determine how your child’s time is divided, and having this arrangement in writing helps when applying for government assistance or settling child support issues.
Types of Proof You Can Provide
To prove care arrangements, you may be asked to submit:
- A Parenting Plan signed and dated by both parents
- A Family Law Court Order
- A written agreement that outlines the care pattern, including who is responsible for school pickups, bedtime routines, and medical appointments
- A calendar or diary showing when your child is with you
- Statements from schools, childcare centres, or doctors that confirm care patterns
You can complete the FA012 form to submit this evidence. While informal agreements may work in your personal life, for government payments or support services, official proof is generally required.
Key Takeaway: A variety of documents can serve as proof, but formal, signed evidence is the most reliable way to confirm your care responsibilities.
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Why Your Percentage of Care Matters
Your percentage of care directly affects your payments. Whether you receive Family Tax Benefit, Parenting Payment, or pay/receive child support, the amount hinges on how much time your child spends in your care.
Here’s how percentages are usually determined:
- Regular care: 14% to 34%
- Shared care: 35% to 65%
- Primary care: 65% to 86%
- More than primary care: over 86%
If your situation changes—like you start caring for your child more often—you should update your care details with Services Australia promptly. Failing to do so could result in incorrect payments or debts.
Key Takeaway: The more care you provide, the greater your potential entitlements; keeping your records accurate is in your best interest.
What If Care Is Disputed?
Sometimes parents don’t agree on who provides what level of care. In these cases, Services Australia may ask both parties for supporting evidence. This is known as verification of shared care. You may need to provide:
- Diaries or logs of care time
- Witness statements
- Written agreements or emails
Where evidence is lacking or the care is disputed, interim decisions might be made until formal arrangements are reached. The department will assess what is in the child’s best interests and look at consistency over time.
Key Takeaway: Disagreements over care need evidence; the more records you can present, the easier it is to support your claim.
Updating Care Arrangements
Life changes—work schedules shift, children get older, and care needs evolve. If your care arrangements change, you must notify Services Australia within 28 days.
Use the FA012 form or log into myGov to update your information. This helps you avoid incorrect payments or support assessments.
Key Takeaway: Keep your care records up to date to make sure you receive the right support or meet your obligations fairly.
How to Submit Your Proof
To submit your care arrangements, you can:
- Fill out the FA012 form (Details of Your Child’s Care Arrangements)
- Attach relevant documents (parenting plan, court order, diary, etc.)
- Submit via myGov, by mail, or visit a service centre
If you’re unsure what documents are acceptable, contacting Services Australia or a family lawyer can help you navigate the process.
Understanding and providing proof of care arrangements is important if you’re a separated parent seeking support or resolving child-related responsibilities.
By documenting your care and staying proactive in updates, you help ensure smoother interactions with government services and better outcomes for your child.
