Category: CCS News

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CCS News

Clarification on eligibility for the higher child care subsidy rate

If Services Australia believes there is no intention for a child to use child care, they will end a child’s CCS eligibility. Generally speaking in order to get the higher CCS, the eldest CCS-eligible child aged 5 in the family needs to use care.

However between 7 March and 10 July 2022, families can get the higher subsidy even if their eldest CCS-eligible child aged 5 or under is not using care. This transition period will help families plan their child care arrangements.

From 11 July 2022 onwards, children who haven’t used care in 26 consecutive weeks will no longer be eligible for CCS. This rule will first be applied to children who haven’t used care for the 26-week period from 10 January to 11 July 2022.

This may affect a family’s entitlement to the higher subsidy.

If a standard rate child’s CCS eligibility ends, Services Australia will reassess all other children in the family to determine:

  • the new standard rate child
  • new subsidy rates.

Services Australia will not reassess CCS payments for the 26-week period, for example between 7 March and 10 July 2022. The family must remain eligible during this period.

If a child starts to attend care again, a family can lodge a new claim for CCS.

You can visit Services Australia website for more information about the higher CCS.

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CCS News

NSW $500 before and after school care voucher per child

Families with children aged 4 to 13 years that attend a primary school in NSW can receive a $500 voucher per child to reduce the out-of-pocket costs of before and after school care. 

This includes children who are starting kindergarten in 2022. 

You can apply for a voucher from 28 February to 30 September 2022 for each eligible child through Service NSW website or at a Service NSW Centre.

A voucher can be:

  • redeemed with a before and after school care provider from 28 February to 31 December 2022 (voucher credit can be used for services until 30 June 2023)
  • used on any weekday during the school term, or on days of the week when vacation care is provided during the redemption period.

Your child must be:

  • a resident of NSW
  • aged between 4 and 13 years
  • enrolled in a primary school in NSW
  • listed on a valid Medicare card.

Note: You can apply for one voucher per child, provided each child meets the eligibility criteria.

Please go to Service NSW to apply for the $500 voucher.

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CCS News

$10,000 ECEC Flood Support Payment for Services in Flood-affected Regions

The Australian Government has announced a $10,000 ECEC Flood Support Payment for services in flood-affected regions that close for more than 7 days.

The Government is providing extra support during LAEs between 23 February and 30 June 2022. Services and families in LAE-declared regions can access the support measures below.

Support payments

ECEC Flood Support Payments of $10,000 are available to services in flood-affected regions that close for more than 7 days due to flooding. If your service is located in an eligible region, you will receive an offer before 18 March. Services must meet the following conditions to be eligible for the payment:

  • be located in an LAE-declared region after 23 February
  • close for more than 7 days due to flooding – this could be due to physical damage to buildings, staff shortages or school closures
  • waive the gap fee for families for the duration of the flood-related closure
  • agree to provide priority access to families impacted by flooding, for example if a family relocates temporarily but wishes to resume their enrolment in the future.

Services that need further support can apply for a Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) Special Circumstances grant. Applicants should apply for a CCCF grant after an event has occurred and they have accessed other disaster support.

Absences

Children who live, or attend a service, in an LAE-declared region will get extra allowable absences for the duration of the LAE. They will be automatically applied in the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) System shortly.

This means families won’t have to use any of their 52 allowable absences during the LAE.

Gap fees

Services in an LAE-declared region can waive the gap fee if a child does not attend, or the service is closed.

Services outside an LAE-declared region can waive the gap fee if a child that lives within an LAE-declared region does not attend care.

Financial support for families

Affected families may be eligible for extra help with the cost of child care through the Additional Child Care Subsidy (temporary financial hardship). Families must apply directly to Centrelink.

Other support

The Australian Government provides payments and help for people affected by natural disasters. Find out if you’re eligible for support on the Services Australia website.

The NSW and Queensland Governments have support for individuals and businesses impacted by a natural disaster. Find out if you’re eligible for support on your state government website: