The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.M.20 Minimum annual rate (MAR)

Definition

In most circumstances a parent (1.1.P.10) liable to pay child support (1.1.C.60) in a case is required to pay at least the MAR. The MAR exists to reinforce the principle that all parents must contribute to the financial support of their children.

A MAR of child support is payable when:

  • the child support assessment (1.1.C.70) works out to less than the minimum rate, or
  • a parent does not have at least regular care (1.1.R.50) of any of the children in the child support assessment, and
  • the FAR (1.1.F.10) does not apply.

Act reference: CSA Act section 5(1)-‘minimum annual rate of child support', section 66 Minimum annual rate …

Policy reference: CS Guide section 2.4 Formula assessment, section 2.4.2 Formula tables & values, 2.4.12 Minimum annual rate, 2.4.13 Historical formula tables & values

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