What changes are being made to child support from 1st April 2015

From 1 April 2015, there will be a new way of working out child support.

Both parents’ incomes, estimates of the cost of raising children and more of the care parents and caregivers provide will be used for calculating child support from 1 April 2015.

Currently child support takes into account the paying parent caring for a child for 40% of the time. From next April, this threshold will lower to 28%. This equates to 103 nights or more a year or two nights a week and is designed to better recognise the care both parents provide to their children.

New calculators available on Inland Revenue’s website give a guide to what parents may pay or receive next year. Our video also explains what is changing.

Please view the following attachments – 

DL Brochure about the changes

Child Support Amendment Act copy  
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

If a custodial parent also receives a sole-parent or unsupported-child benefit from Work and Income, the new child support formula won’t affect their benefit.

New Zealand child support is a scheme designed to help ensure New Zealand children are financially provided for when their parents live apart.

It’s voluntary, except where a parent or caregiver receives a sole parent or unsupported child benefit. The changes represent the first major overhaul of the scheme in 20 years and reflects how life has changed significantly for Kiwi families during this time.

For more information, see www.ird.govt.nz/childsupport-changes