Quickly estimate how much you pay or receive for children in Australia. The estimator uses the official formula as set out in the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989.
How the Child Support Calculator Works
The calculator is a tool to instantly estimate how much child support you might need to pay or receive. Using the official formula set by the Australian Government, it provides accurate results for most situations.
When you use the child support calculator online, it considers your income, the number of children, their ages, and the care provided by each parent. This makes it a reliable option for most separated parents in Australia.
Your Child Support Estimate
A few different factors influence the results from the child support estimator, including the taxable income of both parents and the number of children involved. This CSA calculator also factors in the percentage of time each parent spends caring for the children.
To get the most accurate results from the child support Australia calculator, enter correct information. The tool effectively reflects the amount you may pay or receive based on your current circumstances.
How the Child Support Formula Works
The calculator uses a complex, legislated formula to determine how much is owed. It starts by calculating each parent’s income and then uses these figures to determine combined income and the care percentage.
Child support helps mitigate the risk of poverty and financial stress. Parents or carers receive resources to cover the essential costs of raising children.
Paula Peterson at Child Safe, Child Support Calculator QLD
Child-raising costs are meant to be shared fairly between parents, based on their financial capacity and the amount of care they provide. The estimator applies this formula accurately for most cases.
How Custody Affects Payments
Your custody arrangement, or care percentage, impacts payments. The child support calculator uses this percentage to determine how much you’ll pay or receive. More care generally means lower payments.
Different levels of care affect the fund percentage (credit you receive for the costs of children), which influences the child support amount.
- 0-13% care (0-51 nights/year, 1 night/fortnight): Less than regular care, 0% of funds.
- 14-34% care (52-127 nights/year, 2-4 nights/fortnight): Regular care, receive 24% of funds.
- 35-47% care (128-175 nights/year, 5-6 nights/fortnight): Shared care, 25% plus 2% for every percentage point over 35%.
- 48-52% care (176-189 nights/year, 7 nights/fortnight): Shared care, 50% of funds.
- 53-65% care (190-237 nights/year, 8-9 nights/fortnight): Shared care, 51% plus 2% for every percentage point over 53%.
- 66-86% care (238-313 nights/year, 10-12 nights/fortnight): Primary care, receive 76% of funds.
- 87-100% care (314-365 nights/year, 13-14 nights/fortnight): More than primary care, 100% of funds.
Source: Services Australia, Care and Cost Table
When you use the calculator, you’ll enter how many nights your child spends with each parent. This information enables the estimator to adjust the payments accordingly.
Multiple Children
The assessment adjusts based on the number and ages of your children. As the number of children increases, so does the cost of raising them. This is reflected in the results from the child support estimator.
If you have multiple children with the same partner, the child support assessment calculator provides a reliable estimate for your family. It’s an excellent resource for understanding your financial responsibilities.
Next Steps
Once you calculate payments using the child support Australia calculator, you’ll have a clear idea of your financial obligations. The estimate is a reliable guide, helping you plan and manage your responsibilities.
Should your circumstances change, such as a shift in income or care arrangements, you can update the information here to keep your estimate current. The figures will normal align closely with the assessment notices you receive from Services Australia.