Leaf accent
1800 244 532
Find a Centre
1800 244 532

The Child Care Subsidy

Making Child Care More Affordable for Australian Families

At Aussie Kindies Early Learning, we believe every child deserves access to quality early education - and we understand that affordability matters. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government initiative that helps reduce the cost of child care, making it easier for your child to receive the best start in life.

And now, with the proposed 3-day guarantee, even more families could benefit from subsidised early learning, no matter their work or study situation.

What is the Child Care Subsidy?

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is financial support provided by the Australian Government to help families manage the cost of child care. Your CCS percentage depends on:

  • Your family’s combined income
  • The number of hours you work, study, volunteer or train
  • The type of child care service you use

How it works: The CCS is paid directly to Aussie Kindies Early Learning, reducing your out-of-pocket child care fees. You only pay the remaining gap after your subsidy is applied.

What Is the 3-Day Guarantee?

In February 2025, the Australian Government introduced legislation for a 3-Day Guarantee - a major step toward making early childhood education more accessible for all families.

If the legislation is passed, from 5 January 2026:

  • All Child Care Subsidy (CCS)-eligible families will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight (equal to three days per week), regardless of their activity level.
  • Families of First Nations children will be eligible for up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
  • Families already engaging in 48 or more hours of recognised activity per fortnight will continue to receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care per child.

This proposed change is designed to support more families by improving access to affordable child care across Australia. We'll continue to update this page as more information becomes available and the legislation progresses.

Am I Eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?

To qualify for CCS, you must:

  • Have a child under 13 enrolled in an approved child care service like Aussie Kindies
  • Be an Australian citizen or hold an eligible visa
  • Meet the activity test (or benefit from the proposed 3-day guarantee)
  • Ensure your child is up to date with immunisations

Check your eligibility and apply through MyGov.

How to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility & Apply via MyGov

  • Log in to your MyGov account and link it to Centrelink
  • Submit a CCS claim, including income and activity details
  • Receive your CCS percentage

Step 2: Contact Aussie Kindies & Discuss Fees

  • Call our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532 to find your nearest centre and discuss daily fees

Step 3: Estimate Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

  • Use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to find out how much you’ll pay after your subsidy

Step 4: Confirm Your Enrolment

  • After enrolling, approve your CCS enrolment in MyGov

Need help with any of this? Call us on 1800 244 532 - we’re here to help every step of the way.

Estimate Your Child Care Costs

Use our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate your weekly fees after your CCS is applied.

Before you start:

  • Confirm your CCS percentage in MyGov
  • Call 1800 244 532 to check daily fees at your preferred Aussie Kindies centre
Please note

This is only an estimate of how much your family might pay for early childhood education and care. To confirm your eligibility and receive your subsidy, you must update your details for each child through your Centerlink - MyGov Account.

Children

Please note: If you have more than one child aged 5 or under in child care, eligible higher rate children will receive a 30% higher subsidy, up to a maximum 95%

$

Subsidy

%
hrs
$40,000
$530,000.00+
$
%
hrs

Maximising Your CCS Benefits

  • 3-Day Guarantee (Proposed): All CCS-eligible families may receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight - regardless of activity level
  • Higher CCS for second children: More than one child under five? Your second child may receive a higher subsidy
  • Work or study more to boost your hours: Families doing more than 48 hours of recognised activity per fortnight may be eligible for up to 100 hours of CCS
  • Low-income families: Those earning under $80,000 may receive up to 90% off child care fees

Want help understanding your CCS entitlements? Call 1800 244 532 for personalised support.

Why Choose Aussie Kindies Early Learning?

  • We’re an approved CCS provider
  • Flexible session times to suit your needs and maximise your subsidy
  • All-inclusive daily fees - covering meals, learning programs, and high-quality care
  • Personalised support to help you navigate CCS with confidence

Looking for a child care provider that makes CCS easy? Find your nearest centre and book a tour today!

Have Questions? Contact Us!

Call our Family Support Team at 1800 244 532 – we’re here to help!

Danae Studios