How much is the Child Care Subsidy in 2026?

The Child Care Subsidy for 2025-26 ranges from 0% to 90% of the hourly rate cap, depending on your family income. Families earning $80,000 or less receive the maximum 90% subsidy. The subsidy gradually reduces as income increases, reaching 0% for families earning over $530,000.

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

The hourly rate caps for 2025-26 are: Centre-based day care $15.60/hour, Family day care $13.73/hour, and Outside school hours care $11.15/hour. If your provider charges more than the cap, the subsidy is calculated on the cap and you pay the difference.

What is the CCS activity test?

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. Recognised activities include work, study, training, and volunteering.

How is the Child Care Subsidy paid?

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 (your out-of-pocket cost). At the end of the financial year, your subsidy is reconciled based on your actual income.

Child Care Subsidy Calculator

Calculate your estimated Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for 2025-26. Enter your family income and child care details to see your subsidy rate and out-of-pocket costs.

Last verified: 12 March 2026

Combined family income (per year)*

Your combined adjusted taxable income. Families earning up to $80,000 receive the maximum 90% subsidy.

Type of child care

Each care type has a different hourly rate cap for the subsidy calculation.

Hours of care per week*

The number of hours your child attends care each week.

Hourly fee charged by provider*

The actual hourly rate your child care centre charges. If the fee exceeds the rate cap, the subsidy is calculated on the cap.

Your activity hours per fortnight

Combined work, study, training or volunteering hours. Based on the parent with fewer activity hours.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.

Child Care Subsidy Calculator

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