Child Care Subsidy (CCS): What you need to know
The Commonwealth Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is designed to make it easier for families to access affordable early learning and care by reducing fees paid to providers.
How the subsidy works
Under the new 3 Day Guarantee, (effective 5 January 2026), all eligible families will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (equivalent to three days per week) for each child—without meeting a formal activity test (such as work, study or volunteering).
You can still receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight if any of the following apply:
- You and your partner each undertake 48 hours or more of recognised participation (work, study, volunteering) per fortnight
- You have a valid exemption
- Your child is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (special eligibility applies)
Additional financial support is available for some families experiencing temporary financial hardship.
Who can get the child care subsidy?
To get the CCS you must:
- care for a child 13 or younger who’s not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies
- use an approved child care service
- be responsible for paying the child care fees
- meet residency and immunisation requirements
How to estimate your CCS: online calculator
To determine what your CCS might be, you can use the Governments online calculator
How do I claim the CCS?
To receive subsidy payments, you need to register for CCS through your MyGov Centrelink account.
The Services Australia eligibility tool guide can help guide you through the process.
You’ll then receive confirmation from Centrelink informing you of your new CCS percentage and hours of subsidy.
Tuition fees
For current tuition fees, please contact your local Niño ELA centre.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS): What you need to know
The Commonwealth Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is designed to make it easier for families to access affordable early learning and care by reducing fees paid to providers.
How the subsidy works
Under the new 3 Day Guarantee, (effective 5 January 2026), all eligible families will receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (equivalent to three days per week) for each child—without meeting a formal activity test (such as work, study or volunteering).
You can still receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight if any of the following apply:
- You and your partner each undertake 48 hours or more of recognised participation (work, study, volunteering) per fortnight
- You have a valid exemption
- Your child is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (special eligibility applies)
Additional financial support is available for some families experiencing temporary financial hardship.
Who can get the child care subsidy?
To get the CCS you must:
- care for a child 13 or younger who’s not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies
- use an approved child care service
- be responsible for paying the child care fees
- meet residency and immunisation requirements
How to estimate your CCS: online calculator
To determine what your CCS might be, you can use the Governments online calculator
How do I claim the CCS?
To receive subsidy payments, you need to register for CCS through your MyGov Centrelink account.
The Services Australia eligibility tool guide can help guide you through the process.
You’ll then receive confirmation from Centrelink informing you of your new CCS percentage and hours of subsidy.
Tuition fees
For current tuition fees, please contact your local Niño ELA centre.
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