The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the single biggest financial help most Australian families receive — but working out exactly how much you'll get is surprisingly complex. Your subsidy depends on family income, activity level, type of care, and number of children. This guide breaks it all down.
Most families pay between $20–$80 per day after CCS — but it depends on where you live and your income.
CCS Rate by Family Income
| Family Income | CCS % | You Pay (per $100 fee) |
|---|---|---|
| Under $83,280 | 90% | $10 |
| $83,280 – $173,163 | 85% → 50% | $15 – $50 |
| $173,163 – $253,680 | 50% | $50 |
| $253,680 – $343,680 | 50% → 20% | $50 – $80 |
| $343,680 – $530,000 | 20% → 0% | $80 – $100 |
| Over $530,000 | 0% | $100 |
Thresholds for 2025–26 financial year. Source: Department of Education.
The Activity Test — Hours You Can Claim
| Activity Hours (per fortnight) | Max Subsidised Hours |
|---|---|
| 0 – 7 hours | 36 hours (3 days) |
| 8 – 16 hours | 72 hours |
| 17 – 48 hours | 72 hours |
| 48+ hours | 100 hours |
Key Change: 36-Hour Base Entitlement
Since July 2023, all families get at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight — even if neither parent is working. This helps stay-at-home parents access early learning.
Real-World Example
The Nguyen Family
Situation:
- Combined income: $140,000/year
- One child, age 3, long day care
- 3 days/week (30 hours)
- Centre charges $140/day ($14/hr)
CCS Calculation:
- CCS rate at $140k: ~68%
- Hourly cap: $13.73
- CCS pays: $13.73 × 68% = $9.34/hr
- Gap: $14.00 − $9.34 = $4.66/hr
- Weekly (3 days): ~$140
Types of Approved Care
| Care Type | Hourly Cap | Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Long day care | $13.73 | 0–5 |
| Family day care | $12.30 | 0–12 |
| OSHC | $12.67 | 5–12 |
| In-home care | $33.47 | 0–12 |
How to Apply
Link myGov to Centrelink
Complete CCS claim online
myGov → Centrelink → Make a Claim → Families → Child Care Subsidy
Confirm enrolment with your centre
Subsidy applied automatically
CCS paid direct to centre. You only see the gap on your invoice.
Pro Tips
- Update income estimates regularly. If income drops, update immediately for a higher CCS rate.
- Second-child discount. 30% higher subsidy for 2nd+ child aged 5 or under in care.
- Lodge tax returns on time. CCS is balanced annually. No tax return = subsidy drops to zero.
- Check ACCS. Financial hardship, transitioning to work, or child at risk? May qualify for up to 100%.
More Family & Info Guides
Centrelink payments, Medicare, bulk billing, and community resources.
Browse Info →Sources: Services Australia — Child Care Subsidy (servicesaustralia.gov.au) • Department of Education — CCS rates and thresholds (education.gov.au). All CCS rates and income thresholds effective as of March 2026. This is general information only — not financial advice. Last verified: March 2026.