The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the main way the Australian Government helps families with child care fees. Providers must be approved by the department to receive CCS on behalf of families.
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The Child Care Subsidy increased in July 2023. Most families using early childhood education and care now get more subsidy. More families are now eligible. Find resources to help families understand the changes at childcaresubsidy.gov.au.
Family eligibility and entitlement
Families must meet eligibility criteria to get CCS.
The amount of CCS a family can get depends on their circumstances.
Services Australia looks at:
- a family’s income
- how many children a family has in care
- the age of the children in care
- a family’s activity level
- the type of care a family uses.
Learn about family eligibility and entitlement
Become an approved provider
You must be approved to operate a service and administer CCS. You need approval from:
- your state or territory government, and
- the Australian Government.
Apply to become an approved provider
Approved care types
There are 4 care types that can administer CCS:
- Centre Based Day Care
- Outside School Hours Care
- Family Day Care
- In Home Care.
Learn about the approved care types
Access the Child Care Subsidy System
The Child Care Subsidy System (CCSS) is the online system we use to administer CCS payments. It holds records like enrolments and session reports. This information is used to calculate payments for families.
It is also where you perform a range of mandatory obligations and tasks.
Learn about how to access the CCSS
Enrolling children
All children who attend care must be enrolled or have an arrangement for care. Children who get CCS must have the right enrolment in place for payments to be made.
Learn about enrolling children
Reporting sessions of care
Once a child is enrolled, you must report sessions of care to the government. Services Australia uses this information to calculate and process CCS payments. You must provide accurate session reports on time – it’s the law.
Learn about reporting sessions of care
Managing absences
Families can get CCS when their child can’t attend care up to 42 days each year. They may get extra absences in certain circumstances.
Payments and fees
CCS is generally paid to providers who pass it on to families as a fee reduction. Families must make a co-contribution by paying the gap fee. Families must pay the gap fee electronically. Providers must report fee information to the government.
Learn more about electronic payment of gap fees
Understanding overpayments and debts
You may sometimes receive more CCS than you're entitled to. We also issue debt notices in certain circumstances. There are simple ways to avoid overpayments and debts.
Learn about overpayments and debt
Balancing payments
Services Australia balances CCS payments after each financial year to ensure families are paid the right amount. The balancing process is a matter between families and Services Australia.