How It's Calculated
The child support formula considers:
- Each parent's adjusted taxable income
- Minus a self-support amount (~$28,000 each)
- Combined child support income
- The costs of the children (from the Costs of Children Table — based on income and number/age of children)
- Each parent's percentage of care (nights per year)
- The higher earner pays the difference
Example
Parent A earns $90,000. Parent B earns $50,000. Two children. Parent A has 35% care (128 nights), Parent B has 65% care (237 nights). The formula calculates that Parent A pays approximately $10,000–$14,000/year to Parent B.
Collection Methods
| Method | Detail |
|---|---|
| Private collection | Parents arrange payment directly between themselves |
| Services Australia collection | Deducted from the paying parent's wages or Centrelink payment |
Changing Your Assessment
If your income changes significantly (lost your job, got a raise), you can apply to have your child support reassessed. Contact Services Australia Child Support on 131 272.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much child support will I pay?
It depends on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the care arrangement. Use the Services Australia Child Support Estimator at servicesaustralia.gov.au for an estimate.
What if the other parent won't pay?
If they're supposed to pay through Services Australia collection, the agency can deduct it from their wages, tax refund, or Centrelink payments. If it's a private arrangement, you can switch to agency collection.