Question 1

How much is the Child Care Subsidy in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The Child Care Subsidy for 2025-26 ranges from 0% to 90% of the hourly rate cap, depending on your family income. Families earning $85,279 or less receive the maximum 90% subsidy. The subsidy gradually reduces as income increases, reaching 0% for families earning over $535,279.

Question 2

What are the CCS hourly rate caps for 2025-26?

Accepted Answer

The hourly rate caps for 2025-26 are: Centre-based day care $14.63/hour, Family day care $12.81/hour, and Outside school hours care $12.81/hour. If your provider charges more than the cap, the subsidy is calculated on the cap and you pay the difference.

Question 3

What is the CCS activity test?

Accepted Answer

The activity test determines how many hours of subsidised care you can access. With 8-16 hours of recognised activity per fortnight you get 36 subsidised hours, 16-48 hours of activity gives 72 subsidised hours, and 48+ hours gives 100 subsidised hours per fortnight.

Question 4

How is the Child Care Subsidy paid?

Accepted Answer

The Child Care Subsidy is paid directly to your approved child care provider. You only pay the gap between the full fee and the subsidy amount. At the end of the financial year, your subsidy is reconciled based on your actual income.

child care subsidy calculator

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