The Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) provides extra help with the cost of early childhood education and care to families facing difficult or challenging circumstances. ACCS will usually cover all of a child’s early childhood education and care fees.
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From 5 January 2026, ACCS (transition to work) recipients will be entitled to a minimum of 72 hours per fortnight of subsided care. CCS subsidised hour entitlements will not change for other types of ACCS.
To get ACCS, a family must:
- be eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
- meet other criteria depending on the category.
There are 4 ACCS categories. The amount of ACCS a family can get depends on the category they’re eligible for.
ACCS is paid to providers to pass on to families as a fee reduction.
Child wellbeing
The child wellbeing subsidy is for families who need practical help to support their child’s safety and wellbeing.
Providers apply for the child wellbeing subsidy on behalf of families. Families cannot apply.
Find out more about the child wellbeing subsidy
Grandparent
The grandparent subsidy is for grandparents on income support, who are the primary carer of their grandchild.
Families apply for the grandparent subsidy.
Find out more about the grandparent subsidy
Temporary financial hardship
The temporary financial hardship subsidy is for families experiencing temporary, significant financial stress.
Families apply for the temporary financial hardship subsidy.
Find out more about the temporary financial hardship subsidy
Transition to work
The transition to work subsidy is for parents or carers transitioning to work from income support.
Families apply for the transition to work subsidy.
Find out more about the transition to work subsidy
Online learning
Complete the Additional Child Care Subsidy course in Geccko to learn more.