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.

4.1 Overview of care

Context

Child support assessments (1.1.C.70) are generally based on the child support formula (1.1.C.110), which calculates how much child support (1.1.C.60) is payable by considering each parent’s (1.1.P.10) income, and the number, age, and care arrangement in place for each child in the assessment.

This topic outlines the policy for determining care (1.1.C.10) as used in the child support formula to calculate the rate of child support.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2025