Raising children is rewarding, but child care costs in Australia can place a heavy strain on families. To help ease this burden, the Australian Government offers the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This program helps parents cover child care fees so they can work, study, or train while giving children access to quality early learning.
If you’re wondering how much you can claim and how to apply, here’s a quick, clear guide.
Who Is Eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?
To qualify for CCS, you must:
- Be the parent or guardian of a child aged 13 or younger who is not attending secondary school.
- Use an approved child care provider.
- Meet residency and immunisation requirements.
Eligibility also depends on your family’s combined income and the type of care you need.
How Much Can Families Receive?
The subsidy is based on family income and covers a percentage of your hourly child care fees (up to the government’s hourly cap).
CCS Subsidy Rates
| Family Income Range | CCS Subsidy Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $85,279 | Up to 90% |
| $85,280 – $535,279 | Reduces by 1% per $5,000 |
| $535,279 and above | 0% |
Example: A family earning $83,280 may receive a 90% subsidy. Families earning over $533,280 will gradually lose eligibility.
Extra Support for Multiple Children: Families with more than one child in care can receive higher subsidies for younger children.
Hours of Subsidised Care Available
The number of subsidised hours depends on the parent’s work, study, or training commitments:
- Up to 100 hours per fortnight for qualifying activities.
- At least 36 hours per fortnight guaranteed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
How to Apply for CCS
Applying is simple through the myGov portal linked to Centrelink.
Steps to Apply:
- Log in to myGov and access Centrelink services.
- Complete the CCS application with your income and activity details.
- Choose your approved child care provider.
- Submit documents if requested (e.g., proof of work or study).
Tip: Keep your family income details updated. Overpayments may result in debts you’ll need to repay.
Why Apply Now?
Child care costs in Australia continue to rise. By applying for CCS early, you can:
- Maximise savings on child care fees.
- Secure access to quality early education programs for your children.
- Better manage household budgeting.
FAQs About Child Care Subsidy
1. What is the maximum subsidy a family can get?
Families can receive up to 90% of child care fees, depending on income.
2. Can I apply if I am studying and not working?
Yes. Study and training activities are counted as qualifying activities.
3. Do all types of child care qualify?
Only government-approved providers are covered under CCS.
4. What if my income changes?
Update your income estimate in myGov to avoid overpayment or loss of benefits.
5. How quickly will I know if I’m approved?
Processing times vary, but applications are usually reviewed within a few weeks.
Final Thoughts
The Child Care Subsidy is a vital support for Australian families, helping reduce the cost of care while ensuring children receive the best start in early education. If you meet the requirements, don’t delay—apply today via myGov to start saving on child care expenses and planning for your child’s future.