Child Care Subsidy July 23' Changes

From 10 July 2023, the Australian Government will be increasing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rates for families within Australia, resulting in reduced gap fees for your family. 

Papilio educator with child

What you need to know ?

Families earning less than $80,000 per year will have the CCS rate increase from the current 85% to 90%. For families earning $80,000, rates will decrease by 1% for every $5,000 earnings over $80,000. Families earning under $530,000 per year will now be eligible to receive CCS rates. An increased investment of $33.7 million for First Nation children, providing a minimum of 36 hours per fortnight of subsidised childcare. These are inclusive of CCS changes made in early 2022.

What do our families need to do? 

In most cases, you will not need to do anything to get the increased rate. The changes will be applied automatically to your online account from 10 July 2023; however, we do recommend updating your family income estimate if your circumstances have changed. You can check or update your income estimate anytime through your Centrelink online account at my.gov.au.  

Need more advice or information?

Our Family Support Consultants are ready to answer your questions, and they’re available Monday to Friday on 1800 CHILD CARE, or use the contact us form below.

How can my family maximise our CCS?

Here are some helpful steps families can take before you enrol your child to ensure the CCS is paid correctly and on time:

  1. Register early. Ensure your myGov account is set up and you have registered for the Child Care Subsidy at least 28 working days before your child’s first attendance. This will reduce the risk of you paying full fees in the first few weeks. Two weeks before your child’s first attendance, ask your Centre Manager to confirm your child’s enrolment so any issues can be resolved before you start paying fees.

  2. Count every hour of approved activity. For the lower income earner in the family, your approved activity hours are the ‘deciding factor’ in how many hours of child care the Australian Government will subsidise for your child. Approved Activity includes work, studying and volunteering, and each of those approved activities need to meet the definition provided by Centrelink. Understand what counts, and report every hour, to ensure you receive what you are entitled to. Visit the Child Care Subsidy Activity Test to see your eligibility. Your Centre Manager or our Family Support Team are also available to provide information.

  3. Use flexible sessions. Our Lifelong Learning Centres offer families flexibility between 10-hour or full-day sessions, so they can use their subsidised child care hours over more days. In some centres we also offer 9-hour or shorter sessions. Please discuss the best option for your family when you enrol.

  4. Provide your Child Care Subsidy entitlement letter with your enrolment or send us a screen shot from your myGov page, so we can clearly see what you are entitled to receive.

  5. Be specific. Your written agreement with your child’s early education centre should clearly state which days they will attend, so the Centre Manager can accurately report this to Centrelink, and you won’t miss out on the CCS for any days your child attends.

Need more advice or information? Our Family Support Consultants are ready to answer your questions, and they’re available Monday to Friday on 1800 CHILD CARE, or use the Contact Us form on the website.