CCS Rates by Family Income (2025–26)
| Family Income | CCS Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $85,279 | 90% (maximum) |
| $85,280 – $535,278 | Drops 1% per $5,000 above $85,279 |
| $535,279+ | 0% (no subsidy) |
What Changed in January 2026 — The 3-Day Guarantee
From 5 January 2026, all CCS-eligible families get at least 72 hours per fortnight (3 days per week) of subsidised care — regardless of whether parents work, study, or volunteer. Previously, the number of subsidised hours depended on your activity level.
Families can still access up to 100 hours per fortnight (5 days) if they work or study 48+ hours per fortnight, care for a First Nations child, or have an approved exemption.
Hourly Rate Caps (2025–26)
CCS is calculated on the lower of the actual fee or the hourly rate cap:
| Care Type | Hourly Cap |
|---|---|
| Centre-based day care (long day care) | $14.63 |
| Outside school hours care (OSHC) | $12.81 |
| Family day care | $13.15 |
If your centre charges $15/hour but the cap is $14.63, CCS is calculated on $14.63. You pay the gap plus the $0.37 above the cap.
How Much You'll Actually Pay
Example: Family income $120,000, one child in long day care charging $140/day (10 hours).
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily fee | $140.00 |
| Your CCS rate (~83%) | 83% |
| CCS covers (on capped hourly rate) | $121.43 |
| You pay (gap) | ~$18.57/day |
| Your annual cost (5 days/week, 48 weeks) | ~$4,457 |
Higher CCS for Second and Younger Children
Families with more than one child aged 5 or under in care, earning under $367,563, get a higher CCS rate for their second and younger children — up to 95%. The eldest eligible child gets the standard rate.
How to Apply
- Set up a myGov account and link it to Centrelink
- Claim CCS through your Centrelink online account
- Provide your family income estimate
- Enrol your child at an approved childcare service
- CCS is paid directly to your provider — you pay the gap fee
Frequently Asked Questions
How much childcare subsidy will I get?
It depends on your family income. Families earning under $85,279 get 90%. The rate drops by 1% for every $5,000 above that threshold. At $535,279+, you get no subsidy.
What's the 3-Day Guarantee?
From 5 January 2026, all CCS-eligible families get at least 72 hours per fortnight (3 days/week) of subsidised care, regardless of whether parents work or study. Previously, hours depended on your activity level.
Do I get CCS for preschool/kindergarten?
Yes, if it's delivered by an approved CCS provider. Many long day care centres offer funded kindergarten/preschool programs. State-run preschools may have separate funding arrangements.
Can I get CCS for a nanny?
Only through an approved in-home care provider. Regular babysitting or private nanny arrangements are not covered by CCS.