The gap fee waiver provision has been extended nationally from 30 June 2021 until the end of the year.
Child care services advised or directed to close by a local authority due to COVID-19 will be able to waive gap fees until 31 December 2021.
Families who receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) are usually required to make a co-contribution to their child care fees under Family Assistance Law. They do this by paying the difference between the provider’s fee and the CCS amount. This is known as the gap fee.
Services advised or directed to close by a Commonwealth, state or territory government authority, must report the closure and any reopening. They must state the reason for the closure within 24 hours to:
- CCSAssesments@dese.gov.au
- their state or territory regulatory authority, and
- their third-party software provider.
COVID-19 restrictions
We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation across the country. In the event of outbreaks, we work with local governments and peak organisations from the sector about what support may be required.
Families seeking advice and information about restrictions in their local area and whether their child care service is affected should visit their local government’s COVID-19 information website or contact their centre operator.
Services can access information on our website or contact the CCS Helpdesk on 1300 667 276 or ccshelpdesk@dese.gov.au
Help in an emergency
Services seeking information about help available before, during and after an emergency can visit our Help in an emergency page.