Child Support Calculator Australia
Estimate your weekly, fortnightly and annual child support payments using a simplified version of the official formula.
Child Support Calculator Australia
Estimate annual, weekly, fortnightly and monthly child support payments using a simplified version of the official formula.
• Simplified estimate based on combined income above the self-support amount and standard income percentages. The official Services Australia formula considers more factors.
• Estimates only and not a Services Australia assessment. Contact Services Australia for an official assessment.
How Child Support is Calculated in Australia
Child support in Australia is assessed by Services Australia using a formula based on both parents' taxable income (minus a self-support amount), the number of children and the share of care. The higher earner typically pays a proportion of the total cost of the children.
What the Formula Considers
Key inputs include each parent's taxable income, a self-support amount (income excluded from the calculation), the number of children, and how many nights each parent has care. More care by the paying parent reduces the payment. The official assessment also adjusts for other dependants and certain deductions.
Self-Administered vs Services Australia
You can arrange child support privately, through Services Australia, or through a private agreement with a fixed annual amount. The calculator estimates the formula amount, which is a useful starting point for negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Australia?
Both parents' taxable incomes (minus a self-support amount) are combined, a percentage based on the number of children is applied, and the paying parent contributes their share by income ratio, reduced by their care.
How much child support do I pay for 2 children?
With the standard formula, the total child cost for 2 children is around 14% of combined income above the self-support amount, split by income share and care. Use the calculator for your figures.
Does child support stop at 18?
Child support generally continues until the child turns 18, or can continue for a dependent student or in other special circumstances.
Is child support tax deductible?
No, child support payments are not tax deductible, and the amount received is not taxable income for the recipient.
Can we agree our own child support amount?
Yes, parents can make a private arrangement with a fixed amount, but it should still be registered or lodged for it to be enforceable through Services Australia.