Enter the number of dependent children from other relationships for each parent. Split by age group: under 13 and 13 or older. These reduce assessed income.
<13
YOU
13+
<13
OTHER PARENT
13+
Enter the number of children from other child support cases for each parent. Split by age group: under 13 and 13 or older. This calculates multi-case allowances.
If your responsibility to support a resident child significantly reduces your capacity to support another child, you may be able to have your assessment changed. This is "Reason 10" under the Child Support (Assessment) Act.
For this reason to apply, Services Australia checks if the child:
- Normally lives with you
- Isn't legally your child
- Is under 18
- Isn't part of a couple
- Needs financial help
They also check if either:
- You are or were the partner of one of the child's legal parents for 2 years in a row
- The legal parents can't support the child because they're deceased, too ill or have caring duties
You will need to show evidence that the legal parents can't support the child, and information about the child's need for financial help.
John and Sarah's Story
John lives with his partner Michelle and her 10-year-old daughter Emma from a previous relationship. Emma's biological father passed away three years ago, and John has been supporting Emma as a resident child in his household for the past two years.
John also pays child support for his two children with Sarah. However, his financial responsibility to support Emma significantly reduces his capacity to pay.
John applied for a Change of Assessment under Reason 10. He provided evidence that he had been Michelle's partner for over 2 years, that Emma's biological father was deceased, and documentation of Emma's living expenses and financial needs. The Registrar reduced his child support to reflect his reduced capacity due to his responsibility to support Emma.
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 1
High Costs of Contact
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
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.