Child care subsidy (CCS) can be a great support system for families who are looking to put their children through childcare.
We understand that child care is an ongoing cost that can burden families and, even more so, for those families that are going through financial hardships. CCS gives families the opportunity to have access to child care with extra assistance.
Here at the Y Whittlesea, we’re big fans of supporting the community and ensuring that all of our services are available to all. So we’ve put together everything you need to know about CCS so that you have all of the information and tools to see if CCS is right for you.
What Is It?
CCS is the government paying for a percentage of child care fees based on your income and earnings as a family.
Am I Eligible?
Eligibility for CCS depends on the following four factors.
- Combined Family Income
Those families with a lower total income are eligible for more support. In contrast, those that earn more will receive less support. Families that earn a combined income of $530,000 or more will not receive any CCS.
- Activity Test
Parents will also need to meet the requirements of the activity test unless exempt parents must pass one of the following requirements,
- Paid work, including being self-employed.
- Paid or unpaid leave, including paid or unpaid parental or maternity leave.
- Unpaid work in a family business.
- Unpaid work experience or unpaid internship.
- Actively setting up a business.
- Type Of Service
CCS is calculated based on an hourly rate, with fee deductions depending on the type of service used. These rates limit the amount of CCS the government will provide. If child care is less than the hourly rate cap, the subsidy amount depends on the percentage of the fee charged.
- Number Of Children
Depending on how many children you have will impact how much CCS you’re able to receive. Those families with one or more children under the age of five are eligible to get a higher level of CCS. Below are the requirements parents must meet to receive a higher level of CCS,
- You currently get or will be eligible for CCS.
- Your family’s combined income is under $362,408.
- You have one or more CCS eligible child aged five or younger.
- Your higher rate child or children are using child care.
What Now?
If you’re looking for a child care service that is government approved so that you can receive CCS, get in touch with us at the Y Whittlesea, and we can discuss availability and any further questions you have about the service. Alternatively, head to Services Australia or visit our Child Care Subsidy (CCS) webpage for a more detailed look into CCS and link to a CCS calculator.