Navigating the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can feel overwhelming at first—but understanding how it works can make a real difference to your family’s out-of-pocket childcare costs. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or looking to update your details, here’s a helpful overview of what CCS is, who’s eligible, and how to get started. At Community Kids Haven, we’re a CCS-approved provider—so eligible families can access government support to reduce their out-of-pocket fees.
What is the Child Care Subsidy?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment from the Australian Government that helps eligible families cover the cost of approved childcare. The amount you’re entitled to depends on your family’s income, the type of childcare you use, your activity level (such as work, study, or volunteering), and the hourly rate cap.
CCS is paid directly to your childcare provider to reduce your weekly fees, so you only pay the gap amount—that is, the remaining balance after the subsidy is applied.
Who is Eligible for CCS?
You may be eligible for CCS if you:
- Care for a child aged 13 or under who is not attending secondary school
- Use an approved childcare service (like ours!)
- Meet the Australian residency requirements
- Are responsible for paying the childcare fees
- Meet the activity and income tests
How is CCS Calculated?
The subsidy you receive is based on:
- Your combined family income
- Your level of recognised activity (e.g., hours of work, study, or volunteering)
- The hourly rate cap and your centre’s fees
Families earning under a certain threshold receive a higher percentage of subsidy, while families with higher incomes may receive a lower percentage or none at all. As of July 2023, many families earning under $530,000 are eligible for some level of CCS.
How to Apply for CCS
- Create a Centrelink online account through MyGov (if you don’t have one already).
- Submit a CCS claim via your MyGov account.
- Provide your activity details, income estimate, and other required information.
- Confirm your enrolment once your childcare service submits it.
It’s important to keep your details up to date—especially income and activity hours—to ensure you’re receiving the right amount.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about the process or how to get started, we’re happy to help. Our centre team can walk you through the steps, explain how CCS works with our fees, and help you feel confident about your enrolment.
Final Tip
Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s still worth applying. Many families are surprised to find they’re eligible for more support than expected.
If you’d like more personalised help or have questions about fees and subsidies at Community Kids Haven, feel free to reach out—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
