Child Support Estimator
Calculate accurate estimates based on the complex 8-step formula. Our tactile interface simplifies legal geometry into precise pixel-perfect clarity.
About You
Other Parent
Overall Assessment Details
Income Details
| Income Category | You (You) | Other Parent |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable Income Include taxable Centrelink payments | ||
| Reportable Fringe Benefits | ||
| Net Investment Loss | ||
| Tax-free Pensions | ||
| Target Foreign Income | ||
| Reportable superannuation contributions | ||
| Adjusted Taxable Income | $0 | $0 |
Children in Assessment
Estimated Child Support Amount
Payable by You
analyticsHow it's calculated
Income Assessment
Combines both parents modified income to find the child support total.
Care & Cost Split
Calculates cost percentage based on nights of care per year.
Support Percentage
Identifies the difference between income share and care share.
Final Calculation
Applies cost of children tables to the support percentage.
Securing a future for your family through precise, step-by-step resolution.
account_balanceCentrelink & Income Support
Receiving an Income Support Payment (like JobSeeker or Parenting Payment) does not automatically cancel your obligation.
- •Assessments: Taxable income includes certain Centrelink payments used for calculations.
- •Minimum Payments: The 2026 minimum rate is $551 per year. If you earn less than this, you can ask for a reduction to $0.
- •Fixed Rate: For 2026, the fixed rate is $1,825 per child, capped at 3 children ($5,475).
- •Collection: Payments can be automatically deducted from your Centrelink or DVA payments.
- •Impact on Receiving: Child support can affect your Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A via the Maintenance Income Test.
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow is child support calculated in Australia?
Services Australia uses an 8-step formula that considers both parents' incomes, the number of children, their ages, and the percentage of care each parent provides.
QWhat is the self-support amount for 2026?
The self-support amount is currently $31,046. This amount is deducted from your adjusted taxable income before the base support calculation.
QDoes Centrelink income count?
Yes, certain taxable Centrelink payments (like JobSeeker or Parenting Payment) are included in your adjusted taxable income for assessment purposes.
2026 Assessment Guide
The Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 establishes the framework for these calculations. Our estimator helps you understand:
Income Shares
How your combined income relative to each other affects your contribution burden.
Cost of Children
Estimates based on the average Australian household spending for children of different age groups.
Care Percentages
How nights of care convert into a 'cost percentage' which offsets your income liability.
Note: This is an estimate only. Official assessments are determined by Services Australia (Child Support).
Complete Financial Guide Available
Worked numerical examples, step-by-step methodology, and FAQs.
Child Support Estimator FAQ
Get quick, clear answers to common questions about our child support estimator.
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