Child Care Subsidy calculator for family day care
Estimate your CCS percentage, your subsidy and what you'll pay each week for family day care. Uses the 2026–27 rates, including the 3 Day Guarantee. No sign-up, and nothing you enter leaves your browser.
Five Stars Learning's Child Care Subsidy approval is in progress. This calculator works for any CCS-approved family day care service. Ask us for an update.
How the Child Care Subsidy is worked out
Three things decide how much Child Care Subsidy you get for family day care:
- Your CCS percentage. Set by your family's combined income. In 2026–27 it's 90% for incomes up to $88,520, falling by 1% for every $5,000 above that, down to 0% at $538,520.
- The hourly rate cap. The most the government will subsidise per hour. For family day care in 2026–27 it's $14.08 an hour for all ages. If your educator charges more, you pay the difference in full.
- Your subsidised hours. Under the 3 Day Guarantee, every eligible family gets at least 72 hours a fortnight per child. Families with more than 48 hours of recognised activity a fortnight can get up to 100 hours.
Your subsidy each fortnight is roughly: hours (up to your limit) × the lower of your educator's rate and the cap × your CCS percentage. The calculator above does this for you, then shows the gap you pay.
| 2026–27 setting | Family day care |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate cap | $14.08 per hour |
| Maximum standard CCS | 90% (income up to $88,520) |
| Higher CCS (second and younger children 5 and under) | Up to 95% |
| Guaranteed subsidised hours | 72 per fortnight |
| Maximum subsidised hours | 100 per fortnight |
Child Care Subsidy questions
What is the 3 Day Guarantee?
Since 5 January 2026, every CCS-eligible family gets at least 72 subsidised hours (3 days) of care a fortnight for each child, no matter how much work, study or other activity the parents do. This replaced the old activity test. Activity only matters now if you want more than 3 days: to access up to 100 hours a fortnight, the parent with fewer hours generally needs more than 48 hours of recognised activity a fortnight.
Am I eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?
Generally yes, if you (or your partner) care for a child aged 13 or under who isn't attending secondary school, meet Australian residency rules, your child meets immunisation requirements (or has an approved exemption), and you use a CCS-approved child care service. Since 5 January 2026 you no longer need to meet an activity test just to qualify.
How is my Child Care Subsidy amount worked out?
Your family's combined income sets your CCS percentage: in 2026–27, families earning up to $88,520 get 90%, and the rate drops by 1% for every $5,000 above that, reaching 0% at $538,520. The government's hourly rate cap for family day care sets the most it will subsidise per hour. Your subsidised hours start at a guaranteed 72 a fortnight under the 3 Day Guarantee, and your activity can lift that to 100.
What's the hourly rate cap, and how does it affect my costs?
The hourly rate cap is the maximum hourly fee the government will subsidise. From 6 July 2026 (the 2026–27 year), the cap for family day care is $14.08 per hour for all ages. If your educator's rate is at or below the cap, your subsidy applies to the actual rate; if it's above, your subsidy is based on the cap and you cover the difference. Caps are reviewed each July, so check the current figure on the Services Australia website.
Can I get CCS for more than one child?
Yes. If you have more than one child aged 5 or under in care at the same time, the younger child (or children) can receive a higher subsidy rate under Higher CCS, up to 95%. They don't need to attend the same service. We're happy to help you work out if this applies to your family.
Why is some of my subsidy held back?
Services Australia usually withholds 5% of your weekly CCS until your family's income is confirmed after the end of the financial year. Once your subsidy is balanced, you may receive the withheld amount back. This calculator shows your full estimated entitlement before withholding.
How do I actually claim the Child Care Subsidy?
Get a Customer Reference Number (CRN) from Centrelink if you don't already have one, then sign in to your myGov account and link it to Centrelink. From there go to Payments and Claims, Make a Claim, Families, Child Care Subsidy, complete the assessment and submit your claim. Once approved, your subsidy is paid directly to your service to reduce your fees.
What if my income or circumstances change?
Keep your income estimate and activity details up to date with Centrelink through myGov. If your circumstances change and you don't update them, you risk being paid too much or too little CCS, and may need to repay an overpayment when your subsidy is reconciled against your actual tax return.
What if standard CCS isn't enough for my situation?
Some families may be eligible for Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS), which provides extra support for grandparent carers, families experiencing temporary financial hardship, families transitioning from income support into work, or children at risk of harm. Get in touch with us or Services Australia to see if this could apply to you.
Is this calculator an official Centrelink assessment?
No. This tool gives an indicative estimate only, based on the figures you enter and the published 2026–27 rates. Your actual entitlement is assessed by Services Australia. Always confirm your exact subsidy through your myGov account or by calling Services Australia on 136 150.
Talk to us about care for your child
Tell us your suburb, your child's age and the days you need. We'll tell you honestly what's available near you, usually within one business day.