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Nil assessments
A minimum amount is normally payable for each child support family. Paying parents who receive income support, have less than regular care of their child and whose income is less than the self-support amount will pay the minimum payment of $6.50* per week per family. Click here for more information about minimum assessments.
However, if your annual income is less than the annual minimum assessment (less than $6.50 per week per child support family) you may be eligible to have your child support assessment reduced to nil.
If you have at least regular care of your child (14 per cent of the time, which is at least 52 nights a year), you don’t need to pay the minimum to that family because you already meet some of the child’s costs directly through care.
To have your assessment reduced to nil, you will need to apply in writing and provide supporting documentation. If your assessment is reduced to nil it will apply for the same period as the original child support period, and may be backdated.
When considering your application for a nil assessment, we consider income from a range of sources, including:
- income support payments
- compensation payments
- lotto wins
- dividends (net amounts)
- gifts and allowances from family or friends.
Some incomes that may be disregarded include:
- prisoner allowances
- disability support pensions.
Call us on 131 272 if you start receiving income support, return to work or would like to know more about nil assessments.
For information about the relevant legislation and policy, go to The Guide.
*These amounts are for child support periods that begin in 2008.
