Estimates the annual child support payable in Australia based on each parent's income, number and ages of children, and care percentages. Uses Services Australia's formula.
Result
The annual child support amount Parent A should pay to Parent B. A positive number indicates Parent A pays Parent B. If negative, Parent B would pay Parent A.
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Indicative result, calculated from the details and the rules listed below. It does not replace an official calculation or advice from a professional.
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Child support in Australia is administered by Services Australia and is calculated using a formula set out in the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989. The aim is to ensure that both parents contribute financially to the costs of raising their children according to their respective capacities. The calculation considers each parent's income, the number and ages of the children, and the amount of care each parent provides.
The formula involves several steps:
Consider Parent A with an income of $80,000 and Parent B with an income of $50,000. They have two children aged under 13. The children spend 14% of nights with Parent A and 86% with Parent B. The self-support amount is $28,640.
Therefore, Parent A would pay approximately $8,714 per year, or about $167 per week, to Parent B.
Once you have an estimate, you may wish to formalise the arrangement. For a private agreement, a Parenting Plan can outline care and child support arrangements. If you need to formally request payments, a Child Support Demand Letter can be used. For a comprehensive agreement covering property and support, a Separation Agreement may be appropriate. Our calculator can help pre-fill relevant amounts in these documents.
Services Australia uses your 'adjusted taxable income', which is generally your taxable income from the ATO plus certain add-backs like net investment losses, reportable fringe benefits, and some tax-free pensions or benefits.
It's based on the number of nights each child spends with a parent in a 12-month period. For example, if a child spends 2 nights a week with a parent, that's roughly 104 nights a year, or a 28% care percentage.
You can apply to Services Australia for a change of assessment if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a substantial change in income. The original assessment is typically based on the last lodged tax return.
The assessed amount is intended to cover the everyday costs of raising a child. Extraordinary expenses like major medical costs, school fees, or extracurricular activities may be shared differently and should be agreed upon separately by the parents.
Yes, parents can make a binding child support agreement privately. It must be in writing, signed, and can be lodged with Services Australia. The amount can be different from the formula assessment, but it must not be less than the liable parent would receive in social security payments.
Services Australia can collect child support payments directly from the paying parent's wages or bank account if they are involved. If you have a private agreement and payments are missed, you may need to seek enforcement through the courts, starting with a formal demand letter.
