child support/ family tax estimator

[shellbell3]

Just wondering from others who have used the estimator how accurate it was once you actually started receiving payments?
Im trying hard to work out a budget so I can move out. Ttrying to work out how much rent I can afford based on the estimator but then worry if it end up being hugely inaccuate and then I'm stuck with massive rent bills.
So just want to hear from others that have used it how close to the mark it was.
TIA

[Freya]

It was pretty accurate for me!

[~me~]

It's very thorough. The questions are very involved, so unless you enter something incorrectly, you will get an accurate estimate.

[shellbell3]

Thanks guys. I've found a nice place on the net, still gotta check it out in the flesh tho. It's in my budget.
Fingers crossed. Was thinking afterwards it should be pretty accurate, I put the right details in.

[~me~]

Good luck, hope you get it.

[briggsy's girl]

it is incredibly accurate - IF you're starting with a clean slate - so no reductions to ftb due to previous underestimates, no changes to child support assessments that may have left you overpaid anywhere and your payments reduced

it will only pay that much once you've proven rental amount - so you can use it as an estimate for the RE, but if they want proof, it's not possible to provide

i guess you also have to keep in mind that it estimates child support - so you have to assume you're going to receive that - your FTB will be impacted whether he pays or not, so if there is even the teeniest bit of doubt he'll pay, work your budget on him NOT paying, and your ftb still being reduced - if you can comfortably pay the rent on that, then you're smooth sailing

keep in mind ANY change to child support (increase) can result in your ENTIRE year being reassessed and may result in reductions to your ftb for the balance of the financial year.