Childcare Subsidy Calculator
The child care subsidy calculator is a valuable tool to determine your eligibility for assistance programs. It offers insights into potential financial support and helps identify the best fit for your child care needs. Using this calculator enables you to make informed decisions about your options for your child's care.
Frequently Asked Questions – Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Am I eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
To be eligible for CCS, you must meet these requirements:
- You or your child attend an approved child care service.
- You meet Australian residency requirements.
- You are responsible for the care of the child.
- You or your partner meet the income and activity test.
Our family are not Australian citizens or permanent residents. Are we eligible for CCS?
Generally, CCS is only available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, or certain New Zealand citizens living in Australia. If your family does not meet these residency requirements, you will not be eligible for CCS.
What is an Activity Test? What counts as an activity?
The Activity Test determines how many hours of subsidized child care you can get. Activities include:
- Paid work
- Self-employment
- Study or training
- Volunteering
What if I have multiple children in care?
You can receive CCS for each child in approved child care. The subsidy may be calculated differently for each child depending on age, care type, and your income/activity test.
What if my 2nd / youngest child attends a G8 centre, and their older sibling attends another centre?
CCS can apply independently for each child, even if they attend different centres. Each centre claims the subsidy for the child attending their service.
I’m worried about being able to afford child care. Do I have other options?
Options include:
- Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) for families facing financial hardship.
- Grandparent or relative care – sometimes eligible for CCS.
- Child Care Relief for shift workers or special circumstances (if applicable).
How do I apply for the Child Care Subsidy?
- Create or log in to your myGov account linked to Centrelink.
- Complete the Child Care Subsidy application.
- Provide details about your child, care service, income, and activity hours.
- The subsidy will be paid directly to your child care provider, reducing your fees.
What documents do I need for my claim?
You may need:
- Proof of child’s identity (birth certificate, passport)
- Proof of residency or citizenship (passport, visa, permanent residency)
- Income details (PAYG summary, tax return, payslips)
- Evidence of activities (work, study, volunteering records)
- Details of your child care service (CRN – Customer Reference Number, enrolment info)