How is Australian Child Support calculated in 2026?

It is calculated using the official 8-step formula based on combined income, care percentages, and cost of living tables provided by Services Australia.

Does 50/50 care mean no child support?

Not necessarily. If there is a significant income disparity between parents, child support may still be payable even with 50/50 shared care.

Can I claim private school fees under Reason 3?

Yes, private school fees are one of the most common grounds for Reason 3. However, you should show that both parents agreed to private schooling (especially if agreed before separation) or that it is in the child's best interests.

What if the other parent refuses to pay school fees?

If you have evidence of a prior agreement (court order, financial agreement, emails, or texts), you may be able to apply for a Change of Assessment. The Registrar can order contribution even without the other parent's current agreement.

Are extracurricular activities covered under Reason 3?

Yes, if the costs are substantial and both parents previously agreed to enrol the child in those activities. Representative sport, elite music programs, and competitive dance are common examples.

What evidence do I need for education costs?

Provide school fee invoices, receipts for uniforms and books, evidence of prior parental agreement (emails, texts, court orders), and any tutor or program costs.

Reason 3: High Costs of Caring for or Educating a Child - Child Support Change of Assessment

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Reason 3

Reason 3: High Costs of Caring/Educating

Child Support Change of Assessment

Services Australia Code: 5.2.3

What is this reason?

If you have high costs for your child's education or care that go beyond what the standard formula considers, you may be able to change your assessment. This is "Reason 3" under the Child Support (Assessment) Act. This reason commonly applies to: - Private school or boarding school fees - Elite sports or music programs - Expensive extracurricular activities (both parents agreed to) - High childcare costs for younger children - Tutoring or educational support programs The key is that these costs must be necessary for the child and significantly higher than what the formula assumes. Both parents having previously agreed to these expenses strengthens the case.

John and Sarah's Story

John and Sarah agreed when married that their children would attend the private school they both attended. After separation, Sarah has primary care and pays the school fees of $28,000 per year for their two children. John's current child support payment doesn't come close to covering his share of the fees. Sarah struggles to meet the payments on her income alone. Sarah applied for a Change of Assessment under Reason 3. She provided evidence that both parents had agreed to private schooling before separation, the fee invoices, and showed the standard assessment didn't cover these costs. The Registrar increased John's child support to help cover the school fees.

Do you think this applies to you?

If this reason sounds like your situation, you may be eligible for a Change of Assessment. Our tool can help you identify which grounds apply to your case.

Related Information

Calculate Your Child Support

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Browse Other Reasons

Reason 1

High Costs of Contact

Reason 2

Special Needs Care Costs

Reason 4

Child's Income/Resources

Reason 5

Transferred Benefits

Reason 6

High Childcare Costs

Reason 7

Reduced Capacity - Commitments

Reason 8A

Income/Property/Resources

Reason 8B

Earning Capacity

Reason 9

Duty to Maintain Another

Reason 10

Resident Child Responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions

This information is general in nature and not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice specific to your circumstances, consider consulting with a family lawyer.

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