The Australian government pays this subsidy directly to your childcare provider to reduce the fees you pay. You can check your eligibility on the Services Australia website.
The Australian government pays this subsidy directly to your childcare provider to reduce the fees you pay.
Changes from 5th January 2026
From 5 January 2026, all CCS eligible families can get at least 72 hours of subsidised child care each fortnight, or 3 days per week. These changes are known as the 3 Day Guarantee.
More information: 3 Day Guarantee – Department of Education, Australian Government
Replacement of activity test
From 5 January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test was replaced. CCS eligible families can get at least 72 hours of subsidised child care each fortnight.
More information: Recognised participation and activity test for Child Care Subsidy – Child Care Subsidy – Services Australia
You may be eligible for 100 hours of subsidised care each fortnight. You need to meet one of these criteria:
- you and your partner, if you have one, each do more than 48 hours of recognised participation every fortnight,
- You have disability or medical condition that stops you from engaging in recognised participation,
- You get Carer Payment or would get Carer Payment except for the income or asset test
More information: Recognised participation and activity test for Child Care Subsidy – Child Care Subsidy – Services Australia