Minimum and fixed child support assessments

A fixed rate assessment sets the amount needed to be paid in a year for paying parents who:

• Have a low adjusted taxable income for the last relevant year.
• Did not receive an income support payment in the last relevant year.
• Did not have at least shared care of the child.

The fixed rate for child support starting on or after 1 January 2024 is $1,720 per child, per year.

If you pay the fixed rate for more than three children, Service Australia will cap the amount at three times the fixed rate. If you pay the fixed rate to more than one person, Services Australia will divide the amount between those receiving parents.

A paying parent must usually pay at least the minimum rate of child support.

A paying parent may pay this rate if:

• Their child support assessment works out to be less than the minimum rate.
• They do not have at least regular care of any of the children in the child support case.

The minimum rate for child support periods starting on or after 1 January 2024 is $519 per year. It is important to understand the type of child support arrangement that is right for your family and circumstances. Seeking advice from a family lawyer can provide you with the information that will help you decide which option is best suited to you