Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator
Welcome to our Child Care Subsidy Calculator! By using this tool, you can easily estimate your child care subsidy and calculate your out of pocket costs. Our CCS Calculator was developed to provide families with a quick and easy way to understand their potential subsidy entitlements.
Simply input your information and receive an estimate of your subsidy entitlements today.
What is the Childcare Subsidy?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a financial support initiative by the Australian Government to help families reduce the cost of early childhood education and care. The subsidy amount varies based on your income, the type of care you use, and your family’s eligibility criteria.
- CCS covers a percentage of childcare fees, making early learning more affordable
- Payments go directly to your childcare provider, reducing what you pay upfront
- Families pay only the remaining ‘gap fee,’ which can be estimated using a childcare payment calculator
For more details, visit the Victorian Government’s CCS page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Childcare Subsidy?
How Does the Childcare Subsidy Work?
The subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider based on your eligibility, reducing your total fees. The amount covered depends on:
- Your family’s combined income
- Your activity level (work, study, training, volunteering, etc.)
- The hourly rate cap for your chosen childcare service
For full eligibility details, visit the Victorian Government’s CCS page.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible?
To be eligible for CCS, you must meet the following criteria:
- You (or your partner) must be the primary caregiver of the child
- You must use an approved childcare provider (like Explorers Early Learning)
- Your child must meet immunisation requirements
- You must pass the family income and activity test
Check your eligibility using the childcare rebate calculator.
What Determines My Out-of-Pocket Childcare Cost?
Your final childcare costs depend on:
- Your CCS percentage (calculated based on family income)
- Your approved weekly activity hours (affecting how much CCS you can claim)
- The hourly rate of your chosen childcare centre
- Any additional childcare rebates available for your situation
Use our daycare subsidy calculator to find out what you’ll pay after subsidies.
How Do I Claim the Childcare Subsidy?
Claiming your Child Care Subsidy is a simple process:
- Set up your myGov account and link it to Centrelink
- Submit a CCS application through Centrelink, providing necessary details like family income and work/study status
- Wait for Centrelink’s assessment, which will determine your subsidy percentage
- Enrol your child at Explorers Early Learning, and your CCS amount will be automatically applied to your fees
For step-by-step guidance, visit Services Australia’s CCS information page.
Launchpad is a proud Child Safe organisation and is committed to the Child Safe Standards.