Child Care Subsidy Calculator
Check your likely Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rate in Australia based on your family income and activity. Indicative guide to where you sit.
CCS depends on your combined family income, your activity level (work/study), and how many children you have in care.
Your subsidy sits on the sliding scale between the 90% maximum and zero, based on income. Your activity level sets how many hours per fortnight are subsidised. Services Australia calculates the exact rate.
- ✕Combined income at or under ~$83k for the full 90%
- ✓Enough recognised activity for more subsidised hours
- ✕Higher rate available for a second child under 5
How we estimate this
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid directly to your provider to reduce your fees. The percentage starts at 90% for families earning up to about $83,000 and tapers down by roughly 1% for every $5,000 of extra income, reaching zero above about $533,000.
Pricing reviewed: June 2026.
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Understanding child care subsidys in Australia
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid directly to your provider to reduce your fees. The percentage starts at 90% for families earning up to about $83,000 and tapers down by roughly 1% for every $5,000 of extra income, reaching zero above about $533,000.
Two other rules matter: the activity test (work, study or volunteering) sets how many hours per fortnight are subsidised, and families with more than one child aged 5 or under get a higher rate for the younger children.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Child Care Subsidy?
Up to 90% of your fees for families earning up to ~$83,000, tapering down with income to zero above ~$533,000 in 2026.
What is the higher rate for a second child?
Families with more than one child aged 5 or under get a higher CCS rate (up to 95%) for the second and younger children.
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