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.30 Multi-case allowance

Definition

The multi-case allowance is a component of child support income (2.4.4.10) (1.1.C.120) which is deducted from a parent's (1.1.P.10) ATI (1.1.A.20) when they have more than one child support case (1.1.C.80). The multi-case allowance recognises the parent’s responsibility to financially support a child or children in another child support case.

The multi-case allowance is the sum of the multi-case child costs (1.1.M.50), excluding the COTC of the case to which the assessment relates.

Example: In 2024, Amari has 3 children and 2 child support cases. In case 1, child support needs to be assessed for Soraya aged 15, and Estelle aged 12. In case 2, child support needs to be assessed for Leigh aged 6. Amari has ATI of $80,000.

StepAmari’s multi-case child costs
Calculate child support income

Calculate child support income

  • ATI less:
    self-support amount (1.1.S.20)
    relevant dependent child (1.1.R.60) amount
  • ATI of $80,000 −
    self-support amount ($28,463)
    relevant dependent child amount (not applicable)

CHILD SUPPORT INCOME
$80,000 − $28,463
= $51,537

Calculate multi-case child costs
Work out the total number of the parent’s child support childrenAmari has 3 children

For each child, find what all the children would cost if they were all the same age

  • use the parent’s child support income
  • use the COTC Table
  • Costs of Soraya (15 years old)
    Costs for 3 children aged 13+
    ($51,537 − $42,695) x 31% + $13,662
    = $16,403
  • Costs of Estelle (12 years old)
    Costs for 3 children aged 0 to 12
    ($51,537 − $42,695) x 26% + $11,528
    = $13,827
  • Costs of Leigh (6 years old)
    Costs for 3 children aged 0 to 12
    ($51,537 − $42,695) x 26% + $11,528
    = $13,827
Divide the costs by the number of child support children
  • Soraya’s multi case child costs
    $16,403 ÷ 3 = $5,468
  • Estelle’s multi case child costs
    $13,827 ÷ 3 = $4,609
  • Leigh’s multi case child costs
    $13,827 ÷ 3 = $4,609
Calculate multi-case allowance
Case 1 – add the multi-case costs for children in other cases

Leigh’s multi-case child costs = $4,609

Case 1 – multi-case allowance = $4,609

  • Amari’s child support income
    $51,537 − $4,609
    = $46,928
Case 2 – add the multi-case costs for children in other cases

Soraya’s multi-case child costs = $5,468

Estelle’s multi-case child costs = $4,609

TOTAL MULTI-CASE CHILD COSTS
$5,468 + $4,609 = $10,077

Case 2 – multi-case allowance = $10,077

  • Amari’s child support income
    $51,537 − $10,077
    = $41,460

Act reference: CSA Act section 5(1)-‘multi-case allowance’, section 47 Working out multi-case allowances

Policy reference: CS Guide 2.4.9 Formulas when a parent has multiple child support cases (Formulas 3 & 4), 2.4.4 Income

Last reviewed: