Child Support Calculator: Getting the Most Out Of It

Whether you are relying on a child support payment for help or you have to make payments regularly, knowing exactly how much money will be involved can be extremely helpful for your budget and your peace of mind.
The Department of Human Services has a calculator that will allow you to estimate how much money you’ll have to pay our or that you will receive.

Here are few things you need to know about how the Child Support Calculator works: You can also review other Centrelink calculators here.

It’s only an estimate:
The calculator is an estimate of what you might receive or pay. The final total could be more or less than the estimate. Additionally, you’ll only be able to get an estimate if you have both your information and the other parent’s information (name, address etc.). While the calculator uses recent rates as governed by current laws, the actual department has access to the most up-to-date information, which could create a difference between your estimate and the actual amount of money owed or received.

It’s limited:
The calculator only works for single cases. If you owe or receive money from more than one child support case, you can only get an estimate on one case at a time. Additionally, you cannot receive an estimate on the child support if you are not the parent or guardian of the child receiving support. You also cannot compare old and new estimates using this tool. The calculator can also estimate how much family assistance you could receive.

How to use it:
To use the calculator tool to help you estimate how much money you could receive or may have to pay, go to The Department of Human Services estimator page. You’ll be asked to identify which type of estimate you are interested in. Select your choice and click continue.

On the next page you’ll be asked to enter personal information including your name, how many children you need support for and whether they are on the same case (belonging to the same parent). You’ll also be asked the same information about the other parent. After you add this basic information you will be asked to provide the following:

Annual and taxable income, fringe benefits, property loss, tax-free pension and benefits and foreign income for both parents. You’ll also be asked to indicate whether you or your spouse received any Income Support Payment in the past year.

The final question asks you to identify your children, their ages and how often you have them in your home. Once you’ve answered all of the questions you’ll get an estimate of how much you could receive per year, month, fortnight and week. If you are interested you can read on to find out how the estimate was received.

The formula is based off of income, cost of childcare and how often each parent is caring for each child. The entire process can be completed in less than 5 minutes, if you have all of the information you need. For the best results you need to have accurate information regarding income, as this impacts the amount of support owed.

If you are in need of additional financial help, visit loan options page and for those on Centrelink visit here.