The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government payment designed to reduce the cost of approved childcare services. The amount of subsidy a family receives depends on three core factors: combined family income, the activity level of parents or carers, and the hourly fees charged by the childcare provider.
For the 2026 financial year:
The Child Care Subsidy Calculator provides an estimate of:
Final CCS eligibility and payment amounts are assessed and administered by Services Australia based on official government records and approvals.
This Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator provides an estimate of the subsidy you may be eligible for based on your income, activity levels, number of children, and childcare fees. Results are indicative only, with final CCS amounts assessed and approved by Services Australia.
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government payment designed to reduce the cost of approved childcare for eligible families. Your CCS amount directly affects how much you pay out of pocket, how many hours of care you can access, and which childcare options are financially realistic for your family.
Because CCS eligibility and rates are based on household income, activity levels, number of children in care, and provider fees, many families underestimate or misunderstand what they are entitled to.
To help parents make informed decisions, we have created a Child Care Subsidy Calculator that provides an estimated subsidy percentage and helps you understand your likely childcare costs.
The Child Care Subsidy is paid by the Australian Government directly to approved childcare providers. It reduces your childcare fees before you pay them, rather than being paid to you separately.
The subsidy applies to approved care types, including:
Your CCS amount depends on:
While income thresholds are indexed annually, the current CCS structure is expected to remain in place for 2026, works as follows:
Families earning up to approximately $83,280
→ Eligible for up to 90% subsidy
Families earning between approximately $83,280 and $533,280
→ Subsidy is reduced by 1% for every $5,000 of income above the lower threshold
Families earning above approximately $533,280
→ Not eligible for CCS
These thresholds are indexed annually, so exact figures may change slightly year to year.
Your CCS is also limited by how many hours of subsidised care you can access per fortnight.
From 2026 onwards:
This change ensures families have baseline access to childcare even with fluctuating work or study arrangements.
The CCS system is not simple. Many families:
Our Child Care Subsidy Calculator helps you:
This calculator provides estimates only. Final CCS entitlements are determined by Services Australia.
To use the calculator, you’ll typically need:
The calculator then estimates:
This helps parents plan before enrolling or changing care arrangements.
Additional subsidies may apply for:
These supports are separate from CCS but can further reduce childcare costs when combined correctly.
Use the calculator below to estimate:
This tool is designed to help parents plan confidently, not guess.
Understanding your Child Care Subsidy is essential before choosing a childcare provider or committing to long-term care arrangements. This calculator and guide are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations about childcare costs in Australia.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or want personalised advice, contact Services Australia or speak directly with your childcare provider.
This Child Care Subsidy information is based on publicly available guidance from Australian Government authorities, including:
Figures and eligibility criteria are updated to reflect the 2026 financial year guidance. Final subsidy amounts are determined by Services Australia and may vary based on individual circumstances.
The Child Care Subsidy is a government payment that reduces the cost of approved childcare services for eligible Australian families.
Eligibility depends on income, residency status, immunisation compliance, activity requirements, and using an approved childcare provider.
Eligible families can receive between 0% and 90% of childcare fees (up to the hourly rate cap), depending on income and family circumstances.
Yes. Families with more than one child aged 5 or under in care may receive a higher subsidy rate for second and younger children.
No. CCS is capped by an hourly rate set by the government. Any fees above this cap must be paid by the family.
From 2026, eligible families receive at least 72 hours per fortnight, with up to 100 hours available based on activity levels.
The calculator provides an estimate only. Final CCS amounts are calculated and approved by Services Australia.
You can apply through myGov by linking your account to Services Australia and submitting a Child Care Subsidy claim.
