Child Care Subsidy
4-minute read
Key facts
- The Child Care Subsidy is a government payment to help families to pay for the cost of child care.
- It's only paid for certain types of approved child care.
- The amount of subsidy you will receive will depend on your family circumstances, income, and your child's age.
- The Child Care Subsidy is usually paid directly to your child care provider — this lowers your out-of-pocket fees.
- You may also be eligible for an Additional Child Care Subsidy in some circumstances, such as financial hardship.
What is the Child Care Subsidy?
The Child Care Subsidy is the main way the government helps families with the cost of child care.
The Child Care Subsidy is designed to make child care affordable for more families.
What child care services can the Child Care Subsidy be used for?
The Child Care Subsidy is only paid for approved child care.
Approved child care includes:
- Centre Based Day Care including long day care and occasional care
- Family Day Care
- Outside School Hours Care including vacation care and before and after school care
- In Home Care
The Child Care Subsidy is paid directly to your child care provider. This reduces the amount you need to pay in child care fees.
Am I eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?
You may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy if:
- your child is immunised
- you or your partner meet the residency rules
- you are responsible for paying the child care fees
Normally, you are not eligible for the Child Care Subsidy if your child attends secondary school (high school). However, if you child is in high school but needs to be supervised, you may still be eligible. If so, you must provide evidence of why your child must be supervised. Your child must also be either:
- 13 years or younger
- 14 to 18 years old with a disability
You can check your eligibility on the Services Australia website.
How much will the Child Care Subsidy pay?
The amount of the subsidy will depend on your circumstances including:
- your family income
- the type of approved child care you use
- your child's age
- the number of children in child care
The amount you may receive will also depend on how many hours per week each parent spends doing recognised activities. These activities include:
- paid work
- training
- volunteering
- looking for work
- paid or unpaid leave
- unpaid work such as work experience
You can use the Payment and Service Finder to estimate how much Child Care Subsidy you may get.
Additional Child Care Subsidy payments
You may be eligible for an Additional Child Care Subsidy if you are:
- an eligible grandparent getting an income support payment
- transitioning from getting certain income support payments into the workforce
- having temporary financial hardship
- caring for a child who is vulnerable or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect
There is more information on the Additional Child Care Subsidy at Services Australia.
Resources and support
Read more about the Child Care Subsidy and Additional Child Care Subsidy at Services Australia.
You can visit the StartingBlocks website to find approved child care in your area. The child care service you choose can tell you more about the care they provide.
Read more about:
- Australia's Early Childhood education and care system and the Child Care Subsidy
- other payments for families
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2024
