How to apply for Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) child wellbeing

This guide will help early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers apply for Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) child wellbeing.

On this page:

Before you apply

Use this guide to prepare your application.

Applications are commonly delayed because evidence does not meet minimum requirements or required records have not been provided.

Before applying, check if:

You can support families by helping them check their CCS claim and enrolment status.

You must speak with the family before applying.

In your conversation:

  • explain ACCS child wellbeing
  • focus on how you can support the child and family
  • confirm they understand how their information will be used
  • get consent to apply and share information.

Keep a record of this conversation, your observations, and the family’s consent.

Make sure the child is enrolled correctly.

Complying Written Arrangement (CWA)

Use a CWA in most cases where a family is CCS-eligible.

Provider Eligible Arrangement (PEA)

Only use a PEA in limited situations.

Certificates and determinations

Certificates and determinations are the 2 ways providers give families access to ACCS child wellbeing.

  • A certificate provides immediate, short-term support.
  • A determination provides longer ongoing support and requires more evidence.

Providers must use a certificate before applying for a determination.

A certificate gives a family immediate access to ACCS child wellbeing for up to 6 weeks.

Use a certificate when a child is in need of wellbeing support and CCS eligibility requirements are met.

When you can submit a certificate

You can submit a certificate if:

  • a state or territory agency advises the child is in need of wellbeing support
  • the child is in formal foster or kinship care
  • the family is engaged in an approved program
  • you identify the child is in need of wellbeing support.

You can issue one certificate per child for up to 6 weeks in a 12-month period.

Before submitting a certificate

You must:

  • speak with the parent or carer
  • record your observations and supporting evidence. This can be from you, the family or a third-party organisation or professional.
  • obtain consent to share information and apply for the certificate.
  • meet referral and reporting requirements.

Appropriate support agencies

An appropriate support agency is:

  • a state or territory department or agency that deals with matters relating to child welfare, or
  • an organisation that deals with such matters on behalf of a state or territory department or agency.

You do not need to make a referral to a state or territory support agency if they have already advised you of the child’s circumstances.

Certificate details

The certificate must include:

  • the child’s name and CRN
  • the start and end date
  • confirmation of a referral to an appropriate support agency.

Certificates must start on a Monday, even if the child starts care on a different day.

Evidence requirements

Keep records of:

  • parent or carer consent
  • your observations
  • support evidence (for example, court orders or letters)
  • referral details (made no later than 6 weeks after the certificate takes effect).

A determination gives a family support beyond the 6-week certificate period.

It generally provides continued access to ACCS child wellbeing for up to 13 weeks at a time.

The 6 weeks available under a certificate must be used up before a determination can apply.

When to apply for a determination

You can apply for a determination during the certificate period. However, the determination must start after the certificate period ends.

If the child continues to need support after the 13-week determination period ends, you can apply for a further determination.

Longer determinations

You may be able to apply for a determination of up to 52 weeks if the child is:

  • in formal foster or kinship care
  • on a long-term protection order.

Before submitting a determination

You must:

  • provide third-party evidence that meets the minimum requirements
  • make a referral to an appropriate support agency in line with reporting obligations, if you have not already done so as part of the certificate process.

You do not need to make a referral to a state or territory support agency if a referral has already been made or the agency is already involved.

Determination details

The determination must include:

  • the child’s name and CRN
  • the start and end dates
  • confirmation that a referral has been made to an appropriate support agency.

Evidence requirements

You must provide evidence when applying for a determination. The type of evidence you provide will depend on the circumstances.

Child identified by an appropriate third-party organisation or profession

  • Provide evidence of the circumstances demonstrating the child is in need of wellbeing support.
  • Families participating in an ACCS approved program can also use their participation as evidence.

Child identified under state or territory law

  • Provide documents demonstrating the formal arrangements in place, such as court orders or letters from child protection authorities.

Evidence must:

  • be sourced from an appropriate third-party organisation or professional
  • include the child’s name
  • include the parent or carer’s name
  • explain why the child is in need of wellbeing support
  • identify the organisation or professional providing the evidence
  • include the title or position with the third-party organisation providing the evidence
  • include the date provided
  • include a written or electronic signature.

Incomplete evidence may result in delayed or rejected applications.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Applying before CCS is approved, where required.
  • Incorrect CRN details.
  • Incorrect enrolment details or the parent fails to confirm the enrolment in myGov.
  • Using the wrong enrolment type, for example:
    • using a PEA when a CWA should be used
    • failing to transition a PEA to a CWA within 13 weeks.
  • Not speaking with the family first.
  • Missing records, including:
    • consent
    • referrals
    • supporting evidence.
  • Evidence does not meet minimum requirements.
  • Incorrect dates, for example:
    • using a certificate start date that is not a Monday
    • using a determination start date that overlaps with the certificate period.
  • Applying too late, resulting in payment gaps.