From 10 July, most families using early childhood education and care will get more Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Some families previously not eligible for CCS will now get it.
What you need to know
- The maximum amount of CCS is increasing from 85% to 90% for families earning $80,000 or less.
- Families earning over $80,000 and under $530,000 may get a subsidy starting from 90%. Depending on their income, the subsidy will go down by 1% for each $5,000 of income they earn.
- The income limit for CCS is increasing to $530,000 a year. This means more families will be eligible.
- Families earning below $362,408 with more than one child aged 5 or under in care can still get a higher rate of CCS for one or more of their children.
- Families with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children can get at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for that child. This is regardless of their family’s activity level.
What you need to do
If you are already getting CCS you don’t need to do anything to get the new rate. Services Australia will apply the changes for you from 10 July.
You can talk to your child care service about how the changes apply to the child care fees you pay.
If your family earns below $530,000 you may be entitled to CCS from 10 July. Check your eligibility by making a claim using your Centrelink online account through myGov or your Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
If you have more than one child aged 5 or under in early childhood education and care, you can get a higher rate of CCS for one or more of your children. Services Australia will work out if you’re eligible.
If you have an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child
From 10 July 2023, families can get at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child in their care and attending child care. Families may get more than 36 hours of subsidy per fortnight based on their circumstances and the amount of recognised activity they do.
If you would like to get at least 36 hours of subsidised care, you should contact Services Australia to update your child’s CCS details. It’s voluntary for you to tell Services Australia this. For more information go to Services Australia.
How much will you pay
Use the CCS Calculator at startingblocks.gov.au to find out what your family might pay.
For more information visit childcaresubsidy.gov.au.
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