CCS payment amounts explained. The numbers below are based on currently published figures for FY 18/19.

This is a general guide only. Use the Centrelink calculator for an estimate tailored to individual circumstances.

On completion of their CCS application to Centrelink a parent will receive a letter with their details if successful showing their entitlement. It will contain a section that should look like this.

Centrelink Letter

This contains the information needed to use the calculator.

CCS Percentage

Based on combined family annual income. The maximum rate payable is 85%.

  • 85% : for incomes up to $66,958
  • 85% -> 50% : for incomes between $66,958 and $171,958
  • 50% : for incomes between $171,958 and $251,248
  • 50% -> 20% : for incomes between $251,248 and $341,248
  • 20% : for incomes between $341,248 and $351,248
  • 0% : for incomes above $351,248

Hours Allocated

The number of hours of care the government will pay for each fortnight per child. Where there are 2 parents it is based on the parent doing the least amount of approved activities. Eg if 1 parent works full time and the other works part time it is based on the hours of the part time parent.

Note : Examples are based on standard working day of 7.8 hrs

LEVEL 0 : 0 hrs / fortnight

Applies if approved activity hrs less than 8 hrs per fortnight. eg one or less day per fortnight or 1/2 day or less per week.

LEVEL 1 : 36 hrs / fortnight

Applies if approved activity hrs between 8 hrs and 16 hrs per fortnight. eg 2 days per fortnight or 1 day per week.

LEVEL 2 : 72 hrs / fortnight

Applies if approved activity hrs between 16 hrs and 48 hrs per fortnight. eg 3-6 days per fortnight or 1.5 - 3 days per week.

LEVEL 3 : 100 hrs / fortnight

Applies if approved activity hrs more than 48 hrs per fortnight. eg 7 days per fortnight or 3.5 days per week.

Service Type

Different maximum hourly caps apply depending on whether the child is attending Centre Based Care (Long Day Care and Occaisonal Care) , Outside School Hours Care (Before School , After School , Vacation Care) , Family Day Care or In Home Care.

Note : these are maximum rates payable , if the hourly rate of care is less than the maximum rate then the subsidy will be paided based on the actual hourly rate. (Session Rate / Session Hours)

  • Centre Based Care : $11.77
  • Family Day Care : $10.90
  • OSHC : $10.29
  • In Home Care : $25.48 (per family, not per child)

Witholding Amount

The government will hold back 5% of Child Care Subidy that the parent would otherwise be entitled to as an offset for reconciliation when the parent submits their tax returns.

Sources :

https://www.education.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-combined-family-income-0