🏫 Your Childcare Details
💰 Weekly Cost Breakdown
💌 Free Family Finance Tips
Get practical childcare cost guides, CCS update alerts and family finance tips straight to your inbox.
Australian Childcare Subsidy 2025: Rates, Caps and the 3-Day Guarantee
The Childcare Subsidy (CCS) is Australia's main government support for childcare costs. It pays a percentage of your childcare fees directly to your provider, reducing what you pay (the gap fee). Understanding how your rate is calculated helps you plan your family budget.
2025-26 CCS Income Thresholds
| Family Income | CCS Rate |
|---|---|
| Under $85,279 | 90% |
| $85,280 – $175,015 | 90% tapering to 80% |
| $175,016 – $255,025 | 80% tapering to 72% |
| $255,026 – $367,563 | 72% tapering to 50% |
| Above $367,563 | 0% |
Second and subsequent children under 5 attract up to 95% CCS for families earning under $367,563.
The 3-Day Guarantee (from January 2026)
From January 2026, all eligible families receive a guaranteed minimum 72 hours per fortnight of subsidised care regardless of activity level.
What this means: Even if you work part-time, study casually, or are between jobs, you can still access 3 days per week of CCS-subsidised childcare. Hours above 72/fn still require the activity test.
2025-26 Hourly Rate Caps
| Care Type | Hourly Rate Cap |
|---|---|
| Long Day Care (LDC) | $14.63 |
| Family Day Care (FDC) | $12.77 |
| Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) | $13.73 |
| In Home Care (IHC) | $38.15 |
Estimates based on 2025-26 Services Australia rates. Not financial advice. Check servicesaustralia.gov.au for your official entitlement.