How much child support will I pay or receive in 2026?

Child support depends on both parents' adjusted taxable incomes, the number and ages of children, and the care percentage. The formula deducts a self-support amount of $29,043 per parent (2025-26), then calculates the cost of children based on combined income. Each parent's share is proportional to their income, offset by the cost of the care they provide.

How is child support calculated in Australia?

Services Australia uses an 8-step formula: (1) each parent's adjusted taxable income is determined, (2) a self-support amount of $29,043 is deducted, (3) the combined child support income is calculated, (4) income percentages are determined, (5) the cost of children is looked up using income brackets and age-based percentages, (6) each parent's share of the cost is calculated, (7) each parent's care cost percentage is determined from their care nights, and (8) the child support amount is the difference between a parent's cost share and their care-based offset.

What is Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI) for child support?

Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI) is your taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits, target foreign income, net investment losses, tax-free pensions or benefits, and reportable superannuation contributions, minus any child maintenance expenditure. It is broader than taxable income and is designed to capture your true financial capacity.

What is the minimum child support payment in Australia?

The minimum annual rate of child support for 2025-26 is $560 per year ($46.67 per month). This minimum applies when a parent's income is too low for the formula to produce a higher amount. Parents on certain income support payments may pay a reduced minimum or fixed annual rate.

How does care percentage affect child support?

Care percentage is based on the number of nights per year a child spends with each parent. Below 14% (less than 52 nights) provides no cost offset. Regular care of 14-34% (52-127 nights) provides a 24% cost offset. Shared care of 35-47% provides a cost offset equal to the exact care percentage. Equal shared care of 48-52% means no child support transfer. Above 52%, the roles reverse and the other parent pays.

Does child support change when my child turns 13?

Yes. The child support formula uses higher cost percentages for children aged 13 and over, recognising that teenagers generally cost more to raise. For example, one child aged 0-12 uses 17% of income in the first bracket, while one child aged 13+ uses 23%. This means child support typically increases when a child turns 13.

Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support payments for 2025-26 based on both parents' incomes, number of children, and care arrangement. Uses the official Services Australia formula.

Last verified: 20 March 2026

Which parent are you?

Parent 1

Parent 2

This determines whether the result shows you as paying or receiving child support.

Parent 1 annual income (ATI)*

Adjusted Taxable Income: taxable income plus fringe benefits, foreign income, net investment losses, reportable super contributions, and tax-free pensions.

Parent 2 annual income (ATI)*

The other parent's Adjusted Taxable Income.

Number of children*

The number of children covered by the child support assessment (1 to 5).

Age group of children

All children aged 0-12

All children aged 13+

Mixed — some under 13, some 13+

Children aged 13+ have higher costs in the formula. Select 'Mixed' if you have children in both age groups.

Parent 1 care percentage

The percentage of care Parent 1 provides, based on nights per year. Every other weekend is about 14%. Equal shared care is 48-52%.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.

From the Mate Network

FairWork Mate — Pay & Award Calculators Savings Mate — Tax, Super & Budget Tools

Child Support Calculator

Related Tools

From the Mate Network