⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: These tools are for educational purposes only and are not medical advice. Please consult your GP, child health nurse, or healthcare provider for any health concerns.
Australia Child Care Subsidy
Child Care Subsidy Calculator (Australia)
Child Care Subsidy is the main way Australian families afford childcare. Up to 90% of fees can be subsidised. But the formula has three moving parts: family income (determines the rate), activity test (determines the hours), and provider fee (subsidy capped at A$14.29/hour for centres). This calculator works out your weekly and annual costs after CCS. Plus the Higher CCS for families with multiple kids under 5. All inputs stay in your browser. Your income data never leaves your device.
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Australia-specific tool. Services Australia CCS 2025-26 rates. Maximum subsidy 90% (under A$83,280 income), tapering to 0% at A$533,280. Higher CCS for siblings.
Child Care Subsidy Calculator
Combined gross income before tax
Subsidy hours capped by activity test
Average centre rate: A$13-14/hour
Lowest earner determines family activity hours
Your Child Care Subsidy Estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this tool
How much subsidy will I get from CCS?
Your subsidy depends on family income. Up to A$83,280: 90% subsidy. A$83,280 to A$533,280: subsidy reduces by 1% for every A$5,000 over the threshold. So at A$200,000 family income, you get about 67% subsidy. At A$300,000, about 47%. Above A$533,280: 0% subsidy. The 90% maximum is much higher than the previous 85% (changed July 2023). Most middle-income Australian families now qualify for substantial subsidies.
What is the activity test and how does it work?
The activity test determines how many subsidised hours you get. Both parents (or sole parent in single-parent families) must be working, studying, training, volunteering, or actively looking for work. The parent with fewer activity hours determines family hours. 8-16 hours of activity per fortnight: 36 subsidised hours of care per fortnight. 16-48 hours: 72 subsidised hours. Over 48 hours: 100 subsidised hours. Less than 8 hours: 0 subsidised hours (unless family income under A$83,280, then 24 hours).
What is the Higher Child Care Subsidy for siblings?
If you have 2 or more children aged 5 and under in subsidised care, you get a higher subsidy for the second and subsequent children. The higher rate is 30 percentage points more than the standard rate, up to a maximum of 95%. So if your standard rate is 70%, your second child gets 95% subsidy. This was introduced to make care for multiple children more affordable. Income limit for higher subsidy: A$365,611.
What if my fees are higher than the CCS hourly cap?
CCS only subsidises up to a fee cap per hour. For 2025-26: centre-based care A$14.29/hour, family day care A$13.24/hour, in-home care A$38.85/hour, outside-school-hours care A$12.51/hour. If your provider charges more (common in Sydney/Melbourne), you pay the full amount over the cap with no subsidy. Many providers charge close to but not over the cap to maximise affordability for families.
How is CCS paid?
Services Australia pays your CCS directly to your childcare provider. You pay only the gap (out-of-pocket portion). Providers must be approved and using the CCS system. Most centres are. You enrol your child through your provider's portal which is linked to your Centrelink CRN. The amount you pay shows on your statement each fortnight.
Will I be reviewed at tax time?
Yes. Your CCS is reconciled annually based on your actual taxable family income. If your income was higher than estimated, you may owe Centrelink money. If lower, you get a top-up. To avoid surprises, update your family income estimate in myGov whenever your circumstances change (pay rise, new job, partner's income changes). 5% of your CCS is withheld each fortnight as a buffer (released at reconciliation if no overpayment).
Does CCS apply to school-age children?
Yes for outside school hours care (OSHC), before school, after school, and vacation care. Same income-based subsidy as for younger children. Different hourly cap (A$12.51/hour). The activity test still applies. School-age children in subsidised OSHC count toward the higher subsidy if you have multiple kids 5 and under (but the school-age child itself does not get the higher rate).
Can grandparents claim CCS?
Yes through the Grandparent Child Care Subsidy. Grandparents (and great-grandparents) who care for their grandchildren can claim up to 100% subsidy of childcare fees. Apply if you have primary responsibility for your grandchild, you receive an income support payment (Age Pension etc.), or you have legal custody. Different rules and no activity test for Grandparent CCS. Contact Services Australia for the specific Grandparent CCS form.