Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator

Group 192

Did you know early childhood education has become more affordable?

Child Care Subsidy changes 2024


The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) changed in July 2024 for families earning under $533,280. The percentage of CCS will vary depending on your family’s income, and the income limit to receive the maximum allowed CCS increased as well.

For families whose income is up to $83,280, you could receive up to 90% from the CCS toward your daily fee. But if you already receive CCS, you don’t have to do anything to receive the increase, it will already be applied to you.

If you have two or more children in care, subsequent children are eligible for a higher subsidy than the first child. For families who earn  a total income of up to  $141,321, those children will receive 95% from CCS off your daily fee.

Home Shape1
Home Story

What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is assistance from the government to help families with the cost of childcare. Your child’s day in early learning is payable by a daily fee charged by the centre. The government may cover some of this fee, depending on your individual circumstances. This is what is referred to as the ‘subsidy’. 

You may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy if you meet a number of factors. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) changed in July 2024 for families earning under $533,280. The percentage of CCS will vary depending on your family’s income, and the income limit to receive the maximum allowed CCS will increase as well. For families whose income is up to $83,280, you could receive up to 90% from the CCS toward your child’s daily fee.

You can even apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) before you enrol your child in early learning.

 

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Requirements

 

There are several requirements to qualify for the Child Care Subsidy. You may qualify if:

• You or your partner care for the child a minimum of two nights each fortnight

• You or your partner are responsible for childcare fees

• The child meets immunisation requirements

• You use an approved early learning service like Little Scholars!

Once you’re ready for your child to go into early learning, you can apply for CCS!

 
 

How CCS works

 

The CCS works on three factors: 

• Your total combined family income

 • The service type. This can be long day care, or outside-hours care such as vacation care

 • How much ‘work-related’ activity you and your partner undertake each fortnight This includes paid work, volunteering, study and other activities as determined by education.gov.au. Job hunting, studying, starting a new business, volunteering and travel time – among others – are all eligible activities that will allow you to claim subsidised hours of care.

When to apply for CCS

 

Apply for CCS via your MyGov Account, which is linked to Centrelink.

We recommend you do this as soon as you know when you might be sending your little one into early education and care, so it’s all set up and ready to go for your child’s first day. Don’t necessarily wait until you’ve enrolled with an early learning campus, because the entire process may take between four and six weeks, and if it’s not set up when you begin care, you may be paying full fees until it’s all complete.

Once your spot is booked in, confirm your Complying Written Agreement (CWA). When a CWA enrolment notice is created by the campus manager, there are two steps that need to be completed by the family:

1. You will be notified by email that the CWA is ready for you to agree to. A reminder will be sent via email should you not sign within 48 hours

2. Confirm your child’s government enrolment via MyGov. If you do not agree to the government enrolment, CCS cannot be paid.

 
 

Documents you may need

 

During your Child Care Subsidy claim via MyGov, expect Services Australia to request a variety of documents to verify your eligibility. These may include financial details like bank account information, tax file numbers, and insights into your assets. Academic records, work-related documents like tax returns or pay slips, details about your living situation, relationship specifics, any international residence proofs such as visas, documentation regarding your children, and any relevant medical records are also crucial. Now that you know what to expect, we’d suggest these are prepared in advance to streamline your claim process.

Finally, know we’re here for you from the day you book your tour to the day your child finishes their last day of kindergarten. We can absolutely help you navigate the CCS and other documents you need to help your child become a little scholar. Reach out to your campus manager, admin or any of the leadership team for guidance or further questions.

 

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children

Families can now receive at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child in their care. This is regardless of their family’s activity level. For more information about CCS for Indigenous families, please visit Activity test for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children.

 

At The Heart of Everything we do at Little Scholars are our Key Pillars

See What Happy Parents are Saying

At Little Scholars, we’re committed to instilling the knowledge and skills that will allow your child to thrive and succeed in life.
Logo Littlescholars Olt L
Logo Littlescholars Olt R
Your child’s journey to discovery starts here.
Together, let’s build the foundations for a lifetime of learning, from our family to yours.
Logo
Come and see the Little Scholars difference

Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!

Come and see the Little Scholars difference

Let us hold your hand and help looking for a child care centre. Leave your details with us and we’ll be in contact to arrange a time for a ‘Campus Tour’ and we will answer any questions you might have!