CCS calculator
KU operates Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved long day care services. Use the government’s CCS calculator to find out what your family might pay for early childhood education and care.
What is the Child Care Subsidy?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government payment that assists families with the costs of child care. It aims to help make child care and early education more affordable and accessible for families. CCS is paid directly to approved child care providers to reduce the fees you pay.
The subsidy rate you may be able to claim is based on your family's income and activity levels, as well as the number and age of your children, and the type of care your family uses.
Understanding how CCS works can be crucial for families trying to manage their budget and ensure quality care for their children. KU offers CCS approved services across NSW, ACT and Victoria.
How the CCS works
The CCS is paid directly to approved child care providers, which then pass on the benefit as a fee reduction to families. Families pay the remaining balance, known as the ‘gap fee.’ The amount of CCS a family receives depends on the following factors:
- Combined family income: The subsidy percentage is determined by the family’s annual adjusted taxable income. For lower-income families, the subsidy can cover up to 90% of child care costs. As income increases, the subsidy percentage decreases on a sliding scale. There is an upper income limit, beyond which families may not receive any subsidy.
- Activity test: The subsidy amount is also influenced by the parents’ level of activity, including work, study, training, or volunteering. Generally, the more hours parents engage in these activities, the more hours of subsidised child care they can access. There are four activity levels, which correspond to the maximum number of subsidised hours a child can receive: up to 24, 36, 72 or 100 hours per fortnight.Â
For the latest percentage covered and activity levels visit the government website here.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for CCS at one of KU services, families must meet certain criteria:
- The child: The child must be enrolled in an early childhood service, aged between birth and 5 years.
- The parent or guardian: The parent or guardian must be responsible for paying the child care fees and meet residency requirements, such as being an Australian citizen or holding a visa that allows access to government payments.
Additional subsidies
In some cases, families may qualify for additional assistance:
- Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS): Provides extra help with the cost of early childhood education and care to families facing difficult or challenging circumstances. More information is available on the government website here.
How to apply
Families can apply for CCS through their myGov account, which is linked to Centrelink. The application process requires details about family income, activity levels, and child care arrangements. After the application is processed, Centrelink will determine the family’s subsidy percentage, hours of subsidised care, and any relevant conditions.
Managing the subsidy
Once approved, families must keep their details up to date with Centrelink, including changes in income, activity levels, or child care usage. This ensures that the subsidy is accurately calculated and applied. Centrelink conducts a yearly reconciliation to ensure families received the correct amount of CCS based on their actual income.
CCS calculator
Use the official government’s Starting Blocks Child Care Subsidy (CCS) calculator tool to quickly and easily help you find out what your family might pay for early childhood education and care.
