Am I eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
As you start planning for childcare, one of the biggest questions is often how your family will afford the fees. Fortunately, most families using approved childcare services in Australia are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), the government payment that helps reduce the cost of childcare. Instead of being paid directly to you, it’s applied as a discount to your fees.
To be eligible, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements but for many families, it’s more straightforward than it first seems. Let’s walk through the main criteria, so you can get an idea where your family fits.
Main eligibility requirements
To receive CCS, families need to meet the following eligibility rules set by Services Australia:
Residency requirements
The person claiming CCS (and paying the childcare fees) must meet Australian residency requirements.
In most cases, this means you:
- live in Australia
- are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa
Some temporary visa holders may also qualify depending on their circumstances.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking directly with Services Australia.
Child age requirements
CCS is available for children who are:
- 13 years old or younger
- not attending secondary school
Once your child starts secondary school, CCS eligibility usually ends.
Using an approved childcare service
To receive CCS, your child must attend a government-approved service.
Approved care types include:
- long day care
- family day care
- outside school hours care (OSHC)
- in-home care (IHC)
CCS doesn’t apply to informal care, such as nannies, babysitters or gym crèches.
Immunisation requirements
Your child must meet immunisation requirements under Australia’s “No Jab, No Pay” policy.
This means your child must be:
- fully immunised according to the National Immunisation Program, or
- following a recognised catch-up schedule
Some children may qualify for medical exemptions.
What affects how much CCS you receive?
Eligibility is one thing - how much you receive is another.
Your CCS amount depends on factors like:
- your family income
- how many hours of subsidised care you’re eligible for
- the type of childcare service you use
If you’re paying childcare fees and using an approved service, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for some level of support.
Calculate your
subsidy and cost of care
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Situations that can affect eligibility
Some family situations can influence how CCS works in practice, for example:
Shared care arrangements
If separated parents share care, CCS may be split based on each parent’s care percentage. In some cases, both parents may need to make their own claim.
Separated parents
If parents live separately, the person responsible for paying the childcare fees (and meeting the requirements) usually claims CCS.
Families new to Australia
Families who have recently arrived in Australia may still be eligible, depending on visa type and residency status. If you’re unsure, Services Australia can help clarify your situation.
How to check your eligibility
If you’re not sure whether your family qualifies for CCS, check with Services Australia. Services Australia manages the CCS and has the most accurate, up-to-date information and advice. Most families apply for CCS through their Centrelink online account linked to myGov.
Bringing it all together
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps make childcare more affordable for most Australian families. While there are a few eligibility requirements to meet, many families using approved childcare services will qualify for support. If you’re feeling unsure, a quick check with Services Australia can give you a clear answer for your specific situation.
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