Introducing the 3 Day Guarantee (2026)
From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government is updating the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to make early learning more accessible for families. The biggest change is the introduction of the 3 Day Guarantee, which provides eligible families with at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of work, study, or volunteering commitments.
What This Means for Your Family
72 Hours Guaranteed
All CCS-eligible families will receive a minimum of three days (72 hours) of subsidised care per fortnight, even if they previously received fewer hours—or none at all—under the activity test.
No Action Needed
Families already receiving CCS won’t need to do anything. Your entitlement will update automatically on 5 January 2026. A gap fee will still apply as usual.
Additional Hours for Eligible Families
Some families may access up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, including those who:
- care for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child
- have more than 48 hours of recognised participation each fortnight
- hold an approved exemption or are experiencing exceptional circumstances
- receive Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) payments for child wellbeing, temporary financial hardship or grandparent payments
Families caring for First Nations children are encouraged—but not required—to update their details with Services Australia to ensure they receive their full entitlements.
A Quick Overview of the New CCS Structure
| Your Situation | Hours of Subsidised Care per Fortnight |
|---|---|
| 48 hours or less of recognised participation | 72 hours |
| More than 48 hours of recognised participation | 100 hours |
| Caring for a First Nations child | 100 hours |
| Approved exemptions or ACCS | 100 hours |
What Remains the Same
- Families must still meet CCS eligibility and entitlement requirements.
- Subsidised care does not guarantee a place—families still need to secure enrolment with their chosen service.
- A gap fee continues to apply except in limited circumstances.
Further Information
Families can visit the Services Australia website
Introducing the 3 Day Guarantee (2026)
From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government is updating the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to make early learning more accessible for families. The biggest change is the introduction of the 3 Day Guarantee, which provides eligible families with at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of work, study, or volunteering commitments.
What This Means for Your Family
72 Hours Guaranteed
All CCS-eligible families will receive a minimum of three days (72 hours) of subsidised care per fortnight, even if they previously received fewer hours—or none at all—under the activity test.
No Action Needed
Families already receiving CCS won’t need to do anything. Your entitlement will update automatically on 5 January 2026. A gap fee will still apply as usual.
Additional Hours for Eligible Families
Some families may access up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, including those who:
- care for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child
- have more than 48 hours of recognised participation each fortnight
- hold an approved exemption or are experiencing exceptional circumstances
- receive Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) payments for child wellbeing, temporary financial hardship or grandparent payments
Families caring for First Nations children are encouraged—but not required—to update their details with Services Australia to ensure they receive their full entitlements.
A Quick Overview of the New CCS Structure
| Your Situation | Hours of Subsidised Care per Fortnight |
|---|---|
| 48 hours or less of recognised participation | 72 hours |
| More than 48 hours of recognised participation | 100 hours |
| Caring for a First Nations child | 100 hours |
| Approved exemptions or ACCS | 100 hours |
What Remains the Same
- Families must still meet CCS eligibility and entitlement requirements.
- Subsidised care does not guarantee a place—families still need to secure enrolment with their chosen service.
- A gap fee continues to apply except in limited circumstances.
Further Information
Families can visit the Services Australia website
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