Child Care Subsidy
A Guide to the Government Child Care Subsidy
The Government Child Care Subsidy makes early learning more affordable for many Australians. And Bright Stars Montessori Preschool is an approved child care service.
How much Child Care Subsidy (CCS) will I be entitled to?
This will depend on three factors:
- How much ‘work related’ activity (see education.gov.au) you and your partner undertake each fortnight. The entitlement is based on the lesser activity figure for a member of a couple.
- Your total combined family income. Under the Child Care Subsidy, the percentage of subsidy a family is entitled to is based on their combined annual income, with more financial support available to lower income families.
- The amount of early education child care undertaken.
This table shows the percentage of child care fees or the relevant hourly rate cap (whichever is lower) the Government will contribute based on a family’s combined income:
| Combined family income^ | Subsidy rate* |
| Up to $66,958 | 85% |
| Over $66,958 to under $171,958 | Gradually reducing to 50% |
| $171,958 to under $251,248 | 50% |
| $251,248 to under $341,248 | Gradually reducing to 20% |
| $341,248 to under $351,248 | 20% |
| $351,248 or more | 0% |
^ These amounts are correct for 2018-19 and may be subject to adjustment through indexation in subsequent years.
Child Care Subsidy annual cap
Families earning $186,958 or less per year will not be subject to a cap on the amount of Child Care Subsidy they can access. Families earning over $186,958 and under $351,248 will still have an annual cap which will increase to $10,190 per year per child.
For more information, including an online subsidy estimate calculator and how to claim the subsidy can be found at: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy