Childcare Subsidy
From July 2023, the Australian Government will be increasing Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rates for families.
This is incredible news for families, with the changes going some way towards making child care more affordable and inclusive for Australian families.
Key Changes
- If your family earns less than $80,000 per year, your Child Care Subsidy rates will increase from 85% to 90%.
- If your family earns under $530,000 per year, you’ll now be eligible to receive Child Care Subsidy rates.
- Your Child Care Subsidy rates will decrease 1% for every additional $5,000 earned over $80,000.
- Families with more than one child aged 5 or under can still get a higher rate for their second and younger children.
- First Nations children will be eligible for at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
- Families can get more subsidised hours based on their circumstances.
From 10 July 2023, here is how much you can expect to get covered, on average

*Based on eldest or only child. Families with more than one child may be eligible for a higher subsidy for their second child and younger children.
*The $12.74 hourly cap applied above is a 2022 figure and is subject to change with the Commonwealth Government’s announcement of the 2024 CCS hourly cap changes.
To read more about combined annual income and the annual cap, click here for further information from Services Australia.
Your Childcare Subsidy Rate is dependent on three factors
From January 2026, the Australian Government will introduce a major change to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) called the 3 Day Guarantee.
From January 2026:
- All families will be eligible for at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (that’s 3 days a week), no matter their activity levels.
- Families who meet the activity requirements or have a valid exemption can still access up to 100 hours per fortnight.
- Families caring for a First Nations child will automatically receive 100 hours per fortnight.
- Families earning over $533,280 per year (2024–25 threshold) will remain ineligible for subsidised care.


