Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

Every family deserves access to quality early learning, and the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps make that possible. By reducing out-of-pocket childcare costs, CCS makes quality early education more affordable and accessible for Australian families.

From January 2026, the Government's new 3 Day Guarantee will go even further, ensuring more families can access at least three days of subsidised care each week. This important change supports children's learning and development while helping parents balance work and family life.

At Affinity Education, we're here to make the process simple. Our Family Support Team can help you understand how CCS works, guide you through the steps to apply, and explain how the 3 Day Guarantee may benefit your family.

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At a Glance

Who can get it: Most Australian families using approvd early learning services.
What it covers: A percentage of childcare fees paid directly to your centre.
3 Day Guarantee: Starting January 2026, access to at least three subsidised days each week.
Need help? Our Family Support Team can guide you through your CCS setup.

How the Child Care Subsidy Works

The CCS helps make quality early learning affordable for Australian Families. Key factors that determine your CCS include:

Family Income

Higher subsidies for lower and middle incomes.

Activity Test

Based on your recognised activity (work, study, etc.).

Service Type

Applies to approved long day care services like Affinity centres.

Hourly Rate Cap

The Government sets a maximum hourly amount it will subsidise.

Services Australia pays your subsidy directly to your centre, and you pay the remaining gap fee.

The 3 Day Guarantee

The 3-Day Guarantee is a major step toward giving all Australian families fair access to affordable, high-quality early education.

From 5 January 2026, it will ensure every CCS eligible family can access a minimum of three days of subsidised care per week, even if parents or guardians are not currently working, studying or volunteering fulltime.

Here’s what the new changes mean for you:

Guaranteed access: At least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (around three days per week).
Support for First Nations families: Up to 100 hours per fortnight, regardless of activity hours.
Families already meeting the activity test: Your entitlements remain up to 100 hours per fortnight.
No activity test required for the first 3 days: Families with limited or no recognised activity will still receive three subsidised days each week.
Existing income limits still apply: Families earning under the current income cap (around $533,000 for 2024-25) remain eligible.

This change removes barriers and create more opportunities for children to learn, make friends, and build strong routines, while giving parents flexibility and peace of mind.

How to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy

You can check your eligiability and apply for the CCS through your MyGov account.

Create or log into MyGov and link to Centrelink.

Submit your CCS claim (or update your income and activity levels).

Confirm your enrolment details when your centre sends them through.

Check your first statement to see your CCS applied and your gap fee.

If your income changes, update your details with Services Australia to keep your CCS accurate and avoid a bill at tax time.

Maximising Your CCS Benefits

You may be entitled to even more savings if you:

Have more than one child under 5 in care - the younger child may receive a 30% higher subsidy, up to 95%
Work or study 48+ hours per fortnight, giving you up to 100 hours of subsidised care
Earn under $80,000, which can make you eligible for up to 90% off your fees
Qualify under the new 3 Day Guarantee to secure at least three subsidised days each week

Our team can help you understand your CCS entitlements, plan your child’s care schedule, and make the most of your benefits.