Child Care Subsidy (CCS): What you need to know
The Commonwealth Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a means and activity tested subsidy designed to make it easier for families to access affordable childcare.
How the subsidy works
The main components of the CCS are based on activity, family income and type of childcare service and will affect the percentage you are eligible to receive.
The activity test determines how many hours of childcare per fortnight you will receive subsidy for. How much you receive depends on a number of factors, including your family’s income, the age of your child, and the paid and unpaid activities, like your job or volunteer work, your family is involved in.
Additional financial support is available for some families experiencing temporary financial hardship.
Who can get the child care subsidy?
To get the 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
How to estimate your CCS: online calculator
To determine what your CCS might be, you can use the Government’s online calculator –
How do I claim the CCS?
To receive subsidy payments, you need to register for CCS through your MyGov Centrelink account.
The Services Australia eligibility tool guide can help guide you through the process.
You’ll then receive confirmation from Centrelink informing you of your new CCS percentage and hours of subsidy.
Child Care Subsidy Update (2026)
From 2026, changes to CCS make early learning more accessible for Australian families.
Activity Test Removed (First 72 Hours)
The first 72 hours (3 days) of subsidised care per fortnight are no longer tied to parental work, training, or study hours. This means more families can access early learning without needing to meet the previous activity test requirements.
Guaranteed Access for All Eligible Families
Every eligible family is now guaranteed at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight — supporting continuity, stability, and regular learning for every child.
Enhanced Support for First Nations Families
Families with First Nations children can now access up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, helping to support strong educational outcomes and cultural connections from the start.
Additional Subsidised Hours Available
If your family meets the activity test requirements, you may still be eligible for up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
Tuition fees
For current tuition fees, please contact Elevation Early Learning.
