account_balanceChildcare Subsidy

The Child Care Subsidy, in Plain English

Most families are surprised by how much the Child Care Subsidy helps. As an approved provider, we apply it straight to your invoice, so you only ever pay the gap.

Babies room at Cuddly Bear Day Care Centre
90%
Maximum standard CCS rate
72h
Minimum subsidised hours per fortnight for eligible families
42
Allowable absence days per child per financial year

Child Care Subsidy is Australian Government assistance with childcare fees. The amount depends on your family income, eligible children, subsidised hours and the hourly fee or government rate cap. Services Australia assesses your entitlement and pays the subsidy to your childcare service.

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Your family circumstances

Income and the number of eligible children in care affect your subsidy percentage.

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Your hourly fee

The percentage applies to the hourly fee or the government hourly cap, whichever is lower.

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Subsidised hours

Since 5 January 2026, eligible families can receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care each fortnight. Some families qualify for 100 hours.

How it works at Cuddly Bear

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Claim through myGov

Link Centrelink to myGov and submit your Child Care Subsidy claim.

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Complete enrolment

Give us the details needed to submit your enrolment to Services Australia.

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Confirm your enrolment

Check and confirm the enrolment in your Centrelink account.

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Check your entitlement

Once approved, your subsidy is applied to eligible fees. You pay the remaining gap.

Fees and absences

Ask us to help estimate your out-of-pocket fees using your CCS entitlement and booked days.

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Absences

Child Care Subsidy may cover up to 42 allowable absence days per child each financial year, including booked public holidays. Additional absences may qualify for approved reasons and may require supporting documents. Contact us if your child needs more absence days. Fees remain payable for booked absences.

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Public holidays

Fees are payable for booked public holidays. CCS may apply under the allowable absence rules.

How much Child Care Subsidy can I receive?

Your subsidy depends on your combined family income, eligible children in care, subsidised hours and the hourly fee or government cap, whichever is lower. The maximum standard subsidy is 90%. Some families with more than one child aged five or under in care can receive a higher rate for younger children.

Since 5 January 2026, eligible families can receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care each fortnight, regardless of how much they work, study or volunteer. Some families qualify for 100 hours.

Use the Starting Blocks Child Care Subsidy calculator, linked by Services Australia, to estimate your subsidy. We can also help you understand your fees.

Who is eligible for CCS?

You may qualify if you or your partner care for your child at least two nights a fortnight, or have 14% care, are responsible for fees at an approved childcare service, and meet the residence rules. Your child must meet immunisation requirements and generally be 13 or younger and not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies.

Some grandparent carers, families transitioning to work, families experiencing temporary financial hardship, and children needing support for their safety and wellbeing may qualify for Additional Child Care Subsidy. Services Australia assesses eligibility.

Check the full Child Care Subsidy rules with Services Australia.

Need help with your CCS setup?