Support for enrolments that started during lockdown

This content was published on Wednesday 17 November 2021. There may be more recent updates available.

Normally, we don’t pay Child Care Subsidy (CCS) before a child’s first physical attendance at their child care service.

An exception now applies for enrolments that started during a COVID-19 lockdown.

We’ll pay CCS if all the following apply:

  • the service is located, or the family resides, in an area that was in a COVID-19 hotspot for more than 7 days
  • the enrolment commenced during the COVID-19 hotspot, or within 28 days of it ending
  • absences were recorded at the start of the child’s enrolment.

Providers must take action if this applies to any children at their service.

Action for providers

  1. Record an attendance for the child on the first day of the enrolment. Use the following details when recording the session:
    • session fee: $0
    • session start time: 6.00 am to 6.15 am (or if this time conflicts with an absence, another 15-minute period before the existing absence)
    • session description: COVID-19 first day of care.
  2. Advise families of the action taken and ensure they receive the benefit of the payment.