Child Support and Centrelink: How Income Support Affects Payments
On JobSeeker, DSP, or Parenting Payment? You still owe child support—but the amount is usually minimal. Services Australia applies a Minimum Annual Rate for parents on income support. Here's how it works, what you'll pay, and your obligations.
How the Minimum Rate Works (Income Support)
When you receive income support, your income is usually below the self-support amount. Instead of the standard formula, Services Australia applies the <strong>Minimum Annual Rate (MAR)</strong>.
The minimum annual child support rate in Australia for 2026 is <strong>$551 per year</strong>. This minimum rate applies if your income is below the self-support amount or if you are on income support payments like JobSeeker. It ensures every parent contributes at least a small amount towards their children's costs.
What Is the Minimum Child Support Payment?
When you stop receiving income support and return to work, your child support assessment changes. Understanding router.push('/blog/child-support-formula-australia')} > how the child support formula works
Payment Amounts by Income Support Type
What Happens When You Return to Work
Common Scenarios
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still pay child support if I'm on Centrelink?
Yes, but the amount is usually minimal. If you receive income support (JobSeeker, DSP, Parenting Payment), you typically pay ~$10.60/week total. Services Australia applies the Minimum Annual Rate which accounts for your low income. You cannot avoid child support by being on Centrelink.
How much child support do I pay on JobSeeker?
On JobSeeker, you typically pay the Minimum Annual Rate ($551/year in 2026, or ~$10.60/week). This covers your whole case (all children). It is not per child.
Calculate Your Child Support
Use our free 2026 calculator to get an instant, accurate estimate based on the official Services Australia formula.
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