Care estimator

1. Enter the care period starting date – the starting date for the care period you wish to estimate care for – in the format dd/mm/yyyy.
   You can also choose to use the date selection tool, represented by the symbol .
   The selection calendar will adjust to reflect a period beginning from the starting date.
2. Use the Select recurring care area to select any recurring nights for which you have care of the child/ren.
   Use the dropdown to select how often dates recur.
   Use the tick boxes to select which nights recur.
   Use the Select nights button to add the recurring nights to the selection calendar.
3. Use the selection calendar to add any additional dates for which you have care by clicking on the individual dates.You may also click on selected dates to unselect them.
4. Total care estimate will display the resulting care levels based on your selection. This automatically updates as you change the dates selected.
   Total nights of care – the total number of nights selected on the selection calendar.
   Care percentage – the percentage of nights selected on the calendar and equivalent to the child support care percentage, as detailed in the Care and cost percentages table (opens in a new window).
   Care level – the care level defined in Child Support legislation based on the care percentage, as detailed in the Care and cost percentages table (opens in a new window).

Estimating care percentages for children with different care levels

The care estimator can estimate the care levels for children with the same care levels.

If you have different care arrangements for different children, use the care estimator separately to estimate the care level for each child.

• The care estimator is a basic guide to estimating the level of care under the new Child Support Scheme (commenced on 1 July 2008).
• The results from using this service are only indicative and are not a guarantee of your child support or family assistance payments.
• To receive an accurate assessment of your child support payments, please apply for a CSA assessment by calling 131 272 or use the Application for child support assessment form (opens in a new window) in the CSA website.
• The information you enter into the estimator is not retained by the CSA.

The Australian Government:

• disclaims to the extent permitted by law any representations and warranties, expressed or implied, made in respect of the care estimator service, and
• will not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever (including loss or damage caused by human, technical or processing error or malfunction, or negligence of any kind, or loss or damage that is incidental or consequential) arising out of or in connection with any use of, or reliance on the care estimator service.