Child Care Subsidy

The Child Care Subsidy is the main way the Australian government helps families with the cost of child care.

The Child Care Subsidy is designed to make child care affordable, accessible and flexible for more families.

The Child Care Subsidy is only paid for approved child care services.

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 lowers the amount you need to pay in child care fees.

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 your child is in high school but still needs supervision, you may still be eligible. If so, you must provide evidence of why your child needs supervision.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Services Australia provides information in languages other than English.

Visit the Department of Education for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.