Changes to the activity test

From 10 July 2023, there are changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test for families with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children.

On this page:

A family’s activity level affects the amount of CCS they can get.

The changes mean families can get at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child in their care. This is regardless of their family’s activity level.

This will apply to all CCS-eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children.

A family’s CCS rate will continue to be based on their income. Families must still pay the gap fee.

Why is the activity test changing?

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children are underrepresented in early childhood education and care. They are twice as likely as other children to be developmentally vulnerable when they start school.

Access to quality early childhood education and care is crucial to:

  • helping children become school-ready
  • improving learning outcomes
  • improving development outcomes.

This measure will directly support Closing the Gap target 4.

What should providers do?

We encourage you to share these changes with families at your service.

We will provide resources for you to share with families in the lead up to July.

Stay up to date on changes to CCS via:

What should families do?

Families can find out more on the Services Australia website.