Child Support Assessment
A child support assessment is the formal determination of how much child support is payable between parents. An assessment usually comes from the standard formula applied by Services Australia, but it can also reflect agreed arrangements.
The assessment is the legal foundation of a child support liability and determines what is owed, how it is calculated, and how it can be enforced.
Key takeaways for parents
As a parent, you will receive regular assessments, normally at least once a year, setting out payment amounts for the upcoming period.
- Each assessment defines the period covered and the regular amount, usually monthly, required to be paid; and
- A formula assessment shows some of the calculation steps used to determine the payment amount.
Familiarise yourself with the calculation inputs and how they are used, especially each parent’s income and care percentage.
Legal definition
For the purposes of the CSRC Act, a child support assessment is an assessment made under the CSA Act. The definition includes administrative assessments (including where there is a departure in force such as a change of assessment) and assessments based on child support agreements.
A liability arising under a child support assessment is a registrable maintenance liability. For these purposes, a notional assessment is not a child support assessment.
Definition source: Guides to Social Policy Law, Child Support Guide, Child support assessment.
Role in the formula
The child support assessment is the output of the system. It is the point where all inputs, adjustments, and rules come together to determine the child support to be paid.
In most cases, the assessment is an administrative assessment calculated using the child support formula. The formula combines both parents’ incomes, care percentages, and the number and ages of children to determine an annual rate.
A change of assessment can modify this result where special circumstances apply. A change of assessment allows the Registrar to adjust the formula outcome to better reflect the real costs or financial situation.
Child support agreements can also form a child support assessment. Accepted agreements replace or override the formula with an agreed arrangement under the legislation. Limited agreements must reflect at least the formula amount, while binding agreements can set different terms.
Once made, the assessment creates a registrable maintenance liability. Registration allows the amount to be collected and enforced, including through agency collection if required.
Assessment example
Two parents have one child. Based on their incomes and care arrangements, the formula produces an annual child support amount of $8,000. The $8,000 amount becomes their administrative assessment.
Assessment notice
An assessment notice is the official record of your child support assessment. It shows the amount payable as both an annual and daily rate, along with the key details used in the calculation.
The notice confirms when the new rate starts and formally notifies both parents. The start date is used for objections and reviews.
Child support period
A child support assessment applies over a defined timeframe called a child support period. The period may start from a specific date, such as when an application is made, and end when circumstances change, for example when a child turns 13.
A period cannot exceed 15 months and is often aligned to financial years.
Each period has its own assessment notice. As a result, receiving several assessment notices within the same year is not unusual. Several notices may look chaotic but are normal when case details are changing or are being updated progressively.