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.

Who can apply for Reason 1 (High Costs of Contact)?

Any parent who pays significant costs to maintain contact with their children can apply. This includes costs for travel, accommodation, and transportation when children live far away.

What evidence do I need for high contact costs?

You should provide receipts, invoices, or bank statements showing travel expenses (flights, fuel, tolls), accommodation costs, and any other expenses directly related to maintaining contact with your children.

How much can my child support be reduced under Reason 1?

The reduction depends on your specific circumstances. The Registrar will consider how much you spend on contact relative to your income and whether the costs are necessary and reasonable.

Can I claim travel costs if I moved away?

Generally, if you voluntarily moved away from your children, it may be harder to claim high contact costs. The Registrar considers whether the distance was created by your own choice or due to circumstances beyond your control.

Reason 1: High Costs of Contact - Child Support Change of Assessment

Home

›

Change of Assessment

›

Reason 1

Reason 1: High Costs of Contact

Child Support Change of Assessment

Services Australia Code: 5.2.1

What is this reason?

If you spend a lot of money travelling to see your children, you may be able to have your child support assessment changed. This is "Reason 1" under the Child Support (Assessment) Act. This reason applies when a parent has significant costs to maintain contact with their children, such as: - Regular interstate or long-distance travel - Airfares for children to visit during school holidays - Accommodation costs during contact periods - Vehicle costs for frequent long drives The Registrar will consider whether these costs are necessary and reasonable, and whether they significantly affect your capacity to pay child support.

John and Sarah's Story

John lives in Perth while his two children live with Sarah in Sydney. To maintain regular contact, John flies to Sydney twice a month and pays for the children to fly to Perth during school holidays. John's annual contact costs total $18,000 - airfares, accommodation, and car hire. This is a significant portion of his income. John applied for a Change of Assessment under Reason 1. The Registrar reviewed his travel expenses and flight records, and determined that his high contact costs justified a reduction in his child support payments.

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

View All Special Circumstances

Browse Other Reasons

Reason 2

Special Needs Care Costs

Reason 3

High Costs of Caring/Educating

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.

INCOME

CARE

Browse Other Reasons

Frequently Asked Questions