How do I apply for Child Care Subsidy?

Apply through your Centrelink online account on myGov. You'll need to complete an assessment, confirm your child's immunisation status and link your myGov to your child care provider.

What is the activity test?

The activity test measures how many hours per fortnight you and your partner spend on recognised activities like paid work, study or volunteering. More activity hours unlock more subsidised care hours.

CCS is paid directly to your child care provider, who deducts it from your fees. You pay the gap. Payments are based on your estimated income - reconciled at tax time.

Child Care Subsidy Calculator Australia

Calculate your Child Care Subsidy entitlement and out-of-pocket costs

Enter your family income and child care details to estimate how much Child Care Subsidy you may be eligible for. This calculator provides an estimate based on current rates.

Family Details

Enter your family income and child care details

Combined Family Income ($ per year)

Number of Children in Care

Hours of Care Per Week

Hours of Approved Activity Per Week

Hours spent working, studying, training or doing other approved activities

Children Ages

Child 1 Age (years)

Child Care Subsidy Estimate

Your estimated CCS entitlement

Subsidy Percentage

82.0%

Annual Subsidy

$21,076

Out-of-Pocket Cost

$6,540

per year

Subsidised Hours

36 hours/week

Important Information

Note: This is an estimate only. Actual CCS amounts depend on your child care provider's fees and your final assessed income.

The hourly rate cap is $14 per hour. If your provider charges more, you pay the difference.

Your activity test determines how many hours per week are subsidised. More hours of approved activity means more subsidised hours.

How to Use This Calculator

1Enter your combined family income (adjusted taxable income)
2Add the number of children in child care
3Enter hours of care needed per week
4Enter your activity hours (work, study or job search)
5See your estimated subsidy percentage and out-of-pocket costs

What Is the Child Care Subsidy?

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government payment that helps Australian families with the cost of approved child care. The subsidy is paid directly to your child care provider and reduces your fees.

The amount you receive depends on three factors: your family income (determines subsidy percentage), your activity hours (determines subsidised hours cap) and your child care type (determines hourly rate cap).

How CCS Is Calculated

Subsidy percentage: Based on family income - up to 90% for incomes under $80,000, reducing to 0% at around $530,000.
Activity test: Hours of work, study or training determine your subsidised hours - from 24 to 100+ hours per fortnight.
Hourly rate cap: Maximum hourly fee the subsidy covers. You pay any amount above the cap.
Multiple children: Higher subsidy percentage applies to second and subsequent children in care.

Maximising Your Child Care Subsidy

•Report changes in income or activity hours promptly to avoid overpayments
•Consider approved in-home care if you have multiple young children
•Check if grandparent carers can be approved for CCS
•Update your income estimate if circumstances change during the year

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources

Estimates only. Not financial or tax advice. Full disclaimer for your rights and our limitations of liability.

Rates and thresholds last updated for the 2024–25 financial year.

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