The Child Care Subsidy explained

To apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), follow these steps:

• Set up online accounts: Create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
• Prove your identity: Verify your identity through Centrelink.
• Submit a claim: Log in to your Centrelink online account via myGov, navigate to the CCS section, and complete the claim form.

For a detailed guide, check the Services Australia website.

When applying for CCS, you may need to provide:

• Identification: Personal details such as your birth certificate, passport, or other proof of identity.
• Income Information: Proof of your family’s income, such as payslips, tax returns, or Centrelink income statements.
• Child’s Details: Your child’s birth certificate or other documents confirming their age and identity.
• Activity Hours: Documentation of your activity hours (e.g., work, study, volunteering) such as employment records, enrolment letters, or job search details.
• Residency Status: If required, proof of your residency status in Australia, such as a visa or permanent residency card.
• Immunisation Records: Proof that your child is up to date with their immunisations.

Specific document requirements will be indicated during the claim process.

To be eligible for CCS, you or your partner must meet residency requirements, which generally include being an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.

If you’re not a permanent resident of Australia, you may still be eligible for CCS if you meet specific residency conditions. It’s worth checking with Centrelink to see if you qualify.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps families with childcare costs, with the subsidy percentage determined by income.

Starting 8 July 2024:

• families earning up to $83,280 will receive a 90% subsidy
• families earning between $83,280 and $533,280 will see the subsidy decrease by 1% for every $5,000 over $83,280
• families with incomes over $533,280 are not eligible for the subsidy.

Additionally, families with more than one child under 5 may qualify for a higher subsidy rate for some children.

For the latest information, families should refer to the Services Australia website.

Factors influencing your CCS percentage in a long day care centre include:

• Family income: Higher incomes result in lower subsidy percentages.
• Activity level: The number of hours you and your partner engage in recognised activities affects the subsidised hours.
• Number of children in care

You can check your CCS eligibility and estimate your entitlement by logging into your Centrelink online account through myGov. The system provides information based on your current circumstances.

Your childcare provider should receive your CCS payments directly whilch will reflect on your statement. You’ll only need to pay the out of pocket “gap” amount – the difference between your subsidy and the total fee.

Yes, CCS can be used for multiple approved providers. Each childcare provider will generate a Complying Written Arrangement for families to review and sign, this information is also submitted to Centrelink. It is important that families review the sessions hours at both child care providers to ensure they are optimising their CCS entitlements.

If your circumstances change, such as variations in work hours or family income, you must update your details with Centrelink. Changes can affect your CCS entitlement.

You can notify Centrelink of any changes through your Centrelink online account via myGov. Navigate to the relevant section and update your details accordingly.

The Activity Test looks at a number of activities such as how many hours you and your partner spend working, studying, volunteering and the time it takes to commute to and from the childcare centre and your pace of work/study etc. The more hours you do, the more subsidised childcare hours you’re entitled to each fortnight with a maximum of 100 hours per fortnight.

Great news – the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied individually for each child. If you have more than one child in care, the subsidy for each child is calculated based on your family’s specific situation. To ensure you receive the correct subsidy rates, make sure each child’s enrolment is confirmed with Centrelink.

If your family has more than one child aged 5 or under attending childcare, you may be eligible for a higher CCS rate for your younger children. The higher subsidy amount is dependent on the family’s income test. 

If your payments stop or there’s a delay, it may be because some details need updating. Check your myGov account to make sure everything is correct. If you’re still unsure, reach out to Centrelink for help.

If your child will be away, you can notifiy the centre via the Xplor home app or by contacting the centre by phone.

Each child is allowed up to 42 absence days where CCS will be paid per financial year, including public holidays, sick days, and holidays. If you exceed the 42 allowable absence days. CCS won’t apply for any additional days your child is absent and youwill need to pay the full daily fee for those days.

In some cases, like if your child is sick or there’s a local emergency, additional absences can be approved. To get these approved, you’ll need to provide a valid medical certificate or other supporting documentation within 21 days of the absence.

You can check how many absence days your child has used on your Fee Statement, through your Centrelink online account, or by asking your Centre Manager.

It is important to make sure to inform both your childcare centre and Centrelink, as prolonged absences may impact your CCS payments and your child’s enrolment.

Holiday absences (and public holidays) are included in the 42 allowable absences count.

Always check with Centrelink before your trip to ensure your payments remain uninterrupted.

We understand that public holidays are a bit different, but fees are still charged as they help cover the costs of maintaining our staff and resources, ensuring we’re ready to provide the best care when your child returns.

To make things easier for families, we offer a 25% holiday discount, which can be applied to public holidays. Simply let us know at least two weeks in advance by submitting a Holiday Discount Request Form, and we’ll take care of the rest. This way, you can enjoy a little extra flexibility while ensuring your child’s place is secure.