The Child Care Subsidy Explained

For most parents, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) requirements and application process can be fraught with confusion. As a parent, your life is busy enough, especially if you are working.

 

So, to help you check if you qualify for this important government subsidy, we have simplified all the essential details you should know about the Child Care Subsidy.

 

What Is the Child Care Subsidy?

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a type of government subsidy or financial assistance designed to help reduce child care fees for parents. It covers all outside-of-school-hours care fees, including vacation or holiday care expenses.

The CCS is not an automated or fixed amount. How much you receive as subsidy will be based on your specific situation.

CCS eligibility requirements

In order for you to qualify for the Child Care Subsidy, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • You or your partner meet residency requirements.
  • Your child meets immunisation requirements.
  • Your child must be 13 years old or younger and not enrolled in secondary school, unless there is an applicable exemption.
  • You are using an approved child care service.

Moreover, your estimated family income can affect the percentage of Child Care Subsidy your family is entitled to get from the government. Under the CCS, your child care provider will receive the amount you qualify for directly, thereby reducing your child care expenses.

The CCS application process

To apply for the Child Care Subsidy, you may follow these steps:

  1. Go to MyGov. Complete the information required in the CCS Assessment.
  2. Wait for Centrelink to send you a notification saying your claim has already been evaluated or approved. You will also receive information on how much subsidy you are qualified for.
  3. When your application is approved, please ensure that your child’s date of birth (DOB) and customer reference number (CRN) are correct and that all personal data is accurate and updated in your child’s child care portal or system.
  4. Verify your provider’s enrolment via MyGov after your child’s first attendance at the child care facility.
  5. Once the CCS Centrelink is done confirming all information, your CCS will be applied before your provider issues a statement.

Preparing the required information and documents and using the above steps as your guide can help streamline the CCS application process.

For detailed information about the Child Care Subsidy, please check here.