From 10 July 2023, CCS is changing. This page outlines what’s changing for providers and services that administer CCS. Families can use the CCS Calculator at www.childcaresubsidycalculator.com.au to find out what their future rates may be.
Who can get CCS?
Families must meet eligibility criteria to get CCS.
Parents must:
- care for their child at least 2 nights per fortnight or have 14% share of care
- be liable for child care fees at an approved child care service
- meet residency requirements.
Their child must:
- meet immunisation requirements
- not be attending secondary school (unless an exemption applies)
- be 13 or under (except in certain circumstances).
If a child doesn’t attend a session of care at least once in 26 consecutive weeks, they will stop being eligible for CCS. If a child starts to attend care again, a family can make a new claim for CCS.
How much CCS can a family get?
The amount of CCS a family can get depends on their circumstances.
The family income limit to get CCS is increasing to $530,000. The maximum amount of CCS is increasing from 85% to 90%.
CCS rates from 10 July 2023
| Family income | Subsidy rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $80,000 | 90% |
| More than $80,000 to below $530,000 | Decreasing from 90% The percentage decreases by 1% for every $5,000 of income a family earns |
| $530,000 or more | 0% |
Number of children in care
Families with more than one child aged 5 or under in care can get a higher subsidy for their second child and younger children.
From 10 July 2023, the rates for each child are worked out using two separate income tests.
The ‘standard rate child’ is usually the eldest CCS eligible child aged 5 or under. From 10 July 2023, the standard rate child will get the standard CCS rates.
The ‘higher rate child’ is the second and any younger children aged 5 or under. The higher rate for second and younger children is calculated using the for second and younger children.
The higher subsidy for second and younger children will end when a family earns $362,408 or more.
Rates for second and younger children from 10 July 2023
| Family income | Second and younger children subsidy rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $138,118 | 95% |
| More than $138,118 to below $183,118 | Decreasing from 95%The percentage decreases by 1% for every $3,000 of income a family earns |
| $183,118 to below $262,408 | 80% |
| $262,408 to below $352,408 | Decreasing from 80%The percentage decreases by 1% for every $3,000 of income a family earns |
| $352,408 to below $362,408 | 50% |
| $362,408 or more | Higher CCS rates no longer apply, all children in the family will receive the standard CCS rate |
2023–24 hourly rate caps
| Care type | Hourly rate cap for children below school age | Hourly rate cap for school-age children |
|---|---|---|
| Centre Based Day Care | $13.73 | $12.02 |
| Outside School Hours Care | $13.73 | $12.02 |
| Family Day Care | $12.72 | $12.72 |
| In Home Care (per family) | $37.34 | $37.34 |