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.

2.4.1 The formulas

Context

The Registrar will use an administrative formula to calculate the annual rate of child support (1.1.C.60) payable under an administrative assessment (1.1.A.30), unless the assessment is varied by:

  • a departure order by a court (2.8.2)
  • a change of assessment decision (2.6), or
  • the provisions of a child support agreement (2.7.4).

The 6 child support formulas?

The annual rate of child support payable is calculated using one of 6 formulas (section 35B). The 6 formulas are variations of one basic formula and exist to recognise the different circumstances of families.

  • Formula 1 - the basic formula, for a single child support case (section 35). See 2.4.7.
  • Formula 2 - for a single child support case with a non-parent carer (section 36). See 2.4.8.
  • Formula 3 - if one or both of the parents have multiple child support cases (section 37). See 2.4.9.
  • Formula 4 - if a parent has multiple child support cases and there is a non-parent carer for one or more children (section 38). See 2.4.9.
  • Formula 5 - for a child support case with a non-parent carer, where one parent is not assessed because they are not a resident of Australia or there are special circumstances (section 39). See 2.4.10.
  • Formula 6 - for a child support case with a non-parent carer, where one parent is deceased (section 40). See 2.4.10.

Act reference: CSA Act section 5 Interpretation—definitions, Part 5 Division 2—The formulas

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