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Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

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Making Early Education More Affordable for Every Family

Every family deserves access to quality early learning, and the Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps make that possible.

The CCS reduces your out-of-pocket childcare costs by covering a percentage of your fees, paid directly to Kids Academy, so you only pay the difference.

With the upcoming 3-Day Guarantee (from January 2026), even more families will benefit from flexible, subsidised care.

How the CCS Works

Your subsidy percentage depends on:

  • Your family’s combined income
  • The number of hours you work, study or volunteer
  • The type of service you use
  • Your child’s age and immunisation status

The subsidy is automatically applied to your weekly fees, you’ll only pay the remaining gap.

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The 3-Day Guarantee (Coming 2026)

In 2026, the Australian Government will introduce a 3-Day Guarantee to make early childhood education more accessible.

Here’s what it means:

  • All CCS-eligible families will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (≈ 3 days per week)
  • First Nations families will be eligible for up to 100 hours per fortnight
  • Families already completing 48+ hours of recognised activity per fortnight will continue to receive up to 100 hours

This new policy will open access to affordable early learning for thousands of families nationwide.

How to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

First, check whether you qualify for the CCS via My Gov.

You must:

  • Have a child under 13 enrolled at an approved provider
  • Be an Australian citizen or hold an eligible visa
  • Meet the activity test (or qualify under the 3-Day Guarantee)
  • Ensure your child’s immunisations are up to date

You can then apply for the CCS via My Gov:

  1. In MyGov, link your Centrelink account and submit your claim.
  2. Contact our Family Support Team on 1800 244 532 to confirm centre fees and discuss options.
  3. Estimate your out-of-pocket costs - use our CCS Calculator for an instant estimate.
  4. Confirm your enrolment: once your child is enrolled, finalise CCS in MyGov.
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Estimate Your Childcare Fees

Try our Child Care Subsidy Calculator to estimate your weekly costs after the subsidy.

Before you begin:

  • Log into MyGov and click into Centrelink to confirm your CCS percentage
  • Call 1800 244 532 for centre-specific daily fees
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

You could reduce your childcare costs even further if you:

  • Have more than one child under 5 (the second may receive 30% higher CCS)
  • Work or study 48+ hours per fortnight (up to 100 hours subsidised)
  • Earn under $80,000 (eligible for up to 90% off fees)
  • Qualify for the 3-Day Guarantee (coming 2026)

Need help understanding your entitlements

Call 1800 244 532 and our Family Support Team will guide you through it.

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Learn More About the Child Care Subsidy

For official eligibility details and income thresholds, visit the Services Australia website.

For a personal conversation about your family’s situation, contact our team.