Quality Care Made Affordable - Your Family's Journey Starts Here
We understand that finding quality early childhood education shouldn't mean stretching your family budget. Our Child Care Subsidy Calculator helps you discover exactly how much government support you're eligible for, making exceptional care accessible for your little ones.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator
What is Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government payment that helps eligible Australian families reduce their child care expenses. This means-tested support is calculated based on your family’s income, circumstances, and your activity levels (such as work, study, or volunteering).
Key eligibility requirements:
- Australian citizenship or eligible visa status
- Your child must meet current immunisation requirements
- Children must be under 13 years old and not attending secondary school
The subsidy covers various care types including long day care and outside school hours care. Once approved, CCS is paid directly to your child care provider, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. Applications are processed through Centrelink via your myGov account.
What is Queensland's Free Kindy Program?
Queensland offers eligible children 15 hours per week of free kindergarten for 40 weeks in the year before Prep. This quality early education program is delivered by qualified teachers and focuses on developing essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and social development.
Eligibility: Children who turn four by 30 June of the attending year qualify for this program.
While the 15 hours are completely free, any additional care hours may incur costs that can often be offset by your Child Care Subsidy entitlement. This combination ensures maximum affordability while providing comprehensive care for your child.
For more information about Queensland’s free kindy program, visit the Queensland Government’s Early Childhood website.
Confused about Child Care Subsidy (CCS), how it works or what you might be entitled to?
Daisy Lane Early Learning is opening our doors for free CCS Support Sessions, where you can drop in and have a chat with our Centre Manager or Assistant Centre Manager.
We can help you:
- Understand how your CCS works
- Work through what you may be entitled to
- Answer general questions about the subsidy and enrolment process
- Navigate some of the paperwork and process involved
You don't need to be enrolled at Daisy Lane to attend. These sessions are open to families across the local community, whether your child is already in care, you're thinking about starting care, or you simply want a better understanding of CCS.
Even if your child is enrolled at another centre, you're still welcome — we're here to support and build up our local community, not just our own families. Come check your CCS eligibility with us, no strings attached.
📍 Daisy Lane Early Learning, 4 Buckley Drive, Drewvale
📅 Tuesday, 6 October at 1pm & Tuesday, 3 November at 1pm
🍪 Free refreshments provided
💲 Free to attend
👨👩👧 Open to all families
Places are limited to 20 families per session, so we recommend registering ahead of time. Walk-ins may also be welcomed where space allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Child Care Subsidy?
Applications are completed through your myGov account by linking to Centrelink. Once your application is processed and approved, you'll receive confirmation of your eligibility status and subsidy rate. Make sure to provide your Centrelink Reference Number (CRN) to Daisy Lane Early Learning so we can correctly apply your subsidy to your fees.
Who qualifies for Child Care Subsidy?
To access CCS, your child must be under 13 years old and not attending secondary school. Parents or guardians need to meet activity requirements such as working, studying, or volunteering. Your family income must also fall within the government's eligibility guidelines.
How is my subsidy amount determined?
Your subsidy calculation considers several factors:
- Your combined family income
- The number of care hours your child requires
- Your recognised activity hours (work, study, volunteering)
- The government uses a tiered percentage system - lower income families typically receive higher subsidy rates
How is the subsidy applied to my fees?
Once approved, your subsidy is paid directly to Daisy Lane Early Learning. This automatically reduces the fees you pay, with you covering the remaining gap between the subsidy amount and our published rates.
What if my circumstances change?
Life changes happen! If your family income, work hours, or circumstances change, it's crucial to update your details with Centrelink through myGov immediately. Keeping information current ensures your subsidy remains accurate and prevents payment disruptions.
Can Daisy Lane Early Learning help with my CCS application?
Absolutely! We understand the process can feel daunting, which is why our knowledgeable team is here to support you. We can provide guidance, answer questions, and help ensure your family is correctly set up to receive maximum benefits.
Do I need to renew my subsidy annually?
Yes, CCS eligibility requires annual confirmation. Centrelink will prompt you to update your details, usually at the end of each financial year. Completing this renewal process promptly prevents any interruptions to your subsidy payments.
Where can I get additional help?
For comprehensive information about Child Care Subsidy, visit the Services Australia website. You can also contact Daisy Lane Early Learning directly - our team is always ready to assist with CCS questions or general enquiries about enrolment.
Fact Sheet - 3 Day Guarantee – Early Education
The Australian Government's 3-Day Guarantee marks a pivotal reform in early childhood education policy, commencing January 2026. This initiative removes the Child Care Subsidy Activity Test, a requirement that previously limited access to subsidised care based on parental work, study, or volunteer hours. Under the new framework, all families who meet Child Care Subsidy eligibility criteria will be guaranteed a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised early childhood education and care per fortnight—effectively three days per week—without needing to satisfy any activity requirements. Special provisions ensure families with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, recognizing the importance of culturally responsive early learning. This policy shift reflects growing evidence about the critical importance of early childhood education in child development, school readiness, and long-term educational outcomes. By guaranteeing access to quality early learning regardless of family circumstances, the 3-Day Guarantee aims to level the playing field and ensure that all Australian children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can benefit from the cognitive, social, and emotional development that quality early education provides.