What is the Childcare Subsidy?
eg: The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a subsidy that the Australian government pays directly to your child care provider to reduce the fees you pay.
Who can Receive the CCS?
To get Child Care Subsidy (CCS) you must:
care for a child 13 or younger who’s not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies
use an approved child care service
be responsible for paying the child care fees
meet residency and immunisation requirements.
do a recognised activity
Eligibility and Entitlement
For more information on Child Care Subsidy eligibility and entitlement go to Services Australia – Child Care Subsidy
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy
Recognised activities
Recognised activity includes paid work, paid and unpaid leave and approved study. For more information, visit Services Australia – Recognised activities
You may be exempt from the Child Care Subsidy activity test if you are the principal carer of your grandchild, unable to work due to a disability or medical condition, or a Carer Payment recipient.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children may be entitled to a minimum of 36 hours of subsidised care, regardless of activity levels. Low income families may be entitled to a minimum of 24 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of activity levels.
To find out if any other Child Care Subsidy activity test exemptions apply, visit Exemptions and Activity level and subsidised care for Child Care Subsidy – Services Australia.
Recent Changes
Changes to Child Care Subsidy commenced on 10 July 2023, which means child care is now cheaper for most families. It also means some families previously not eligible for Child Care Subsidy will now get it. This change provides more support for more families across Australia. Read more about the changes to Child Care Subsidy.
