There are changes to the types of evidence families can show to get additional absences for COVID-19 reasons.
To access additional absences, families can now use a positive COVID-19 test result from a pathology service as evidence.
This change means families can show one of the following types of evidence:
- a medical certificate, or
- evidence of a positive COVID-19 test result from a government agency or pathology service.
Below is a summary for families about managing absences from care due to COVID-19.
Allowable absences
Families can get Child Care Subsidy (CCS) when their child is absent from a session of care they would normally attend for up to 52 days, per child, this financial year. These absences can be used for any reason and do not require families to submit evidence.
Additional absences
Families may be able to get additional absences once they have used their allowable absence days, in certain circumstances.
Children can access additional absences if they or a member of their immediate household gets COVID-19.
To access these absences, they must provide:
- a medical certificate, or
- evidence of a positive COVID-19 test result from a government agency or pathology service.
Absences before and after care
We don’t usually pay CCS for any absences before a child’s first, or after their last, physical attendance. However, for sessions of care between 1 December 2021 and 30 June 2023, we may pay CCS for up to 7 days if the child or a member of their immediate household must isolate with or has COVID-19.
Share with families
Providers may wish to share this announcement with families to keep them informed. Print this page and display it at your service or send families the URL.
Families should visit the Services Australia website for more information: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-if-your-child-absent-from-child-care