Plain-English explanations of how the child support system actually works, current for 2026. Every figure comes from the DSS Child Support Guide and is updated each January when the new child support period values are published.
If you're new to the system, read the care percentage guide first — care is the single biggest driver of an assessment after income, and the band structure surprises almost everyone. From there, the adjusted taxable income guide explains why the income figure used is usually higher than what appears on a payslip.
If you already have an assessment and think it's wrong, the change of assessment guide sets out the only ten grounds available, and the income estimates guide covers the faster fix where your own income has dropped.
Estimate your child support →