Understanding the Child Care Subsidy: A Guide for Families

Highlights

• The Child Care Subsidy is the main way the government assists families in covering the cost of child care.
• This subsidy is only available for specific types of approved child care services.
• The amount of financial support you receive depends on your family circumstances, income, and your child’s age.
• Payments are usually made directly to the child care provider, reducing the amount families need to pay out of pocket.
• In certain situations, such as financial hardship, an Additional Child Care Subsidy may also be available.

In This Article

• Overview of the Child Care Subsidy
• Approved Uses for the Subsidy
• Eligibility Requirements
• How Subsidy Amounts Are Determined
• Extra Help Through the Additional Subsidy
• Tools and Assistance

Overview of the Child Care Subsidy

The Child Care Subsidy is a government program aimed at making child care more affordable.

It is designed to:

Reduce child care costs for families.
Provide additional support to low- and middle-income families.

Approved Uses for the Subsidy

The subsidy is only available for approved child care services, including:

Centre-Based Day Care – Includes long day care and occasional care.
Family Day Care – Home-based child care services.
Outside School Hours Care – Includes before and after school care, as well as vacation care.
In-Home Care – Care provided in the child’s home under specific circumstances.

The subsidy is paid directly to the child care provider, reducing the fees families need to cover.

Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible if:

Your child is 13 years or younger and does not attend secondary school, unless an exemption applies.
Your child meets immunisation requirements.
You or your partner meet residency requirements.
You are responsible for paying child care fees.

For children aged 14 to 18 years with a disability or who require supervision, an exemption may apply.

How Subsidy Amounts Are Determined

The amount you receive depends on:

Your family income.
The number of hours per week each parent spends doing recognised activities (such as paid work, training, volunteering, or job-seeking).
The type of approved child care you use.
Your child’s age.
The number of children in care.

Extra Help Through the Additional Subsidy

Families facing special circumstances may qualify for additional financial support. You may be eligible if you are:

A grandparent receiving an income support payment.
Transitioning from an income support payment to work.
Experiencing temporary financial hardship.
Caring for a child who is vulnerable or at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect.

Tools and Assistance

For more details on eligibility and applications, visit the relevant government support website.

You can also explore child care options through official child care service directories.