Australian families receive help with the cost of early childhood education and care (ECEC) through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
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Help with the cost of child care
Child Care Subsidy
CCS is the main way the Australian Government helps families with ECEC fees. CCS is generally paid to providers who pass it on to families as a fee reduction. Providers must be approved by the department to receive CCS on behalf of families.
Services Australia is responsible for the general administration of CCS including processing claims, enrolments and payments, and communicating with families.
Find out more and apply on the Services Australia website.
Additional Child Care Subsidy
The Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) provides extra help with the cost of ECEC to families facing difficult or challenging circumstances. ACCS will usually cover all of a child’s ECEC fees.
Services Australia is responsible for the administration of ACCS including processing claims and communicating with families.
Find out more and apply on the Services Australia website.
First Nations activity test
Families can get at least 36 hours of CCS per fortnight for each Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child in their care. This is regardless of their family’s activity level.
Find out more on the Services Australia website.
Activity test for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Find child care
StartingBlocks.gov.au is the one place where families can find and compare all ECEC services.
On StartingBlocks.gov.au, you can:
- find local services
- view fees, vacancies, quality ratings and inclusions
- estimate out-of-pocket costs
- compare services side-by-side
- get information and advice about education, children’s development and parenting.