Guide to Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

We understand that navigating child care subsidy can be confusing so we're here to help to ensure that your family is supported in accessing quality early childhood education and care.

What is Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

CCS is financial assistance provided by the Australian government to help families with the cost of childcare. The subsidy makes childcare more affordable, allowing parents to work and study while their children receives quality care.

Can I get CCS?

To qualify for CCS, there are certain requirements the family must meet.

You may be eligible if you or your partner meet all of the following:

• care for your child at least 2 nights per fortnight, or have 14% care

• are liable for fees for care provided at an approved child care service

• meet the residence rules.

Your child must also meet both of these:

• immunisation requirements

• not be attending secondary school unless an exemption applies.

More information here

How much can I receive?

CCS can cover up to a maximum of 100 hours of care per fortnight and the subsidy percentage can range from 0% up to 95%.

The amount of subsidy a family receives depends on:

• your family’s income (impacts subsidy rate)

• the hours of activity you and your partner do (impacts hours of subsidised care)

• the number of children in your care - families can receive higher subsidy (up to 95%) if they have more than one child aged 5 or under

• the hourly rate cap based on the type of approved child care you use and your child’s age

Here is a CCS Calculator to estimate how much CCS you may get.

At Little Genius, we offer two different session types (different daily fees also apply):

1. Regular 11.5 hour sessions (7:00am - 6:30pm)

2. For permanent full time children (5 bookings per week):10 hour sessions (8:00am - 6:00pm)

How to Apply for CCS

Applying for CCS involves several steps, and the approval process can take some time. We recommend that families gather their CCS details in advance to ensure a smooth enrolment process for their child.

General outline of steps:

1. Create a myGov Account

2. Prove Your Identity

3. Provide Supporting Documents

4. Submit Your Application

5. Wait for Assessment from Centrelink

When your child begins enrolment, we will request your CCS details, and families will need to confirm their enrolment through Centrelink. Centrelink will then be able to make payments directly to us as the childcare provider, and families will only be responsible for paying the remaining gap amount.

Get started in your application here!

Links to some more information:

• CCS rates for varying family income and activity levels

• General information about CCS