Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator
Estimate your childcare costs after the Child Care Subsidy.
Understanding childcare costs is one of the most common questions families have when exploring early learning. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is financial assistance provided by the Australian Government that helps reduce the cost of childcare for eligible families.
Use the calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket childcare fees after the subsidy is applied.
Many families are surprised by how much the Child Care Subsidy reduces their childcare costs.
What This Means For Your Family
What will you pay?
After your CCS is applied:
- You only pay the remaining gap fee
- CCS is automatically adjusted if your circumstances change
- You can update your details at any time through myGov
If you are unsure about your eligibility, our team can help walk you through the process.
2026 Update - The 3 Day Guarantee
The 3-Day Guarantee
From January 2026, the Australian Government is introducing the 3 Day Guarantee, replacing the current CCS activity test.
This means:
- All families will be eligible for at least 3 days of subsidised care per week.
This equals 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, regardless of work or study hours. - Families who meet activity requirements can still access up to 100 subsidised hours per fortnight
- Families caring for a First Nations child will automatically be eligible for 100 hours per fortnight
This change is designed to ensure more children can access early learning and to provide cost-of-living relief for families.
For further information please review the fact sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for the 3 Day Guarantee?
No. Eligible families will automatically receive the minimum subsidy through CCS once the changes take effect.
Does this mean childcare will be free?
No. CCS reduces your fees, but you will still pay a gap fee based on your provider’s daily rate.
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 Launchpad Early Learning Centre)
- Your child must meet immunisation requirements
- You must pass the family income and activity test
Check your eligibility using the childcare rebate calculator.
What if my circumstances change?
Your CCS can be updated at any time through myGov to reflect changes in income or activity.
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 Launchpad Early Learning Centre, and your CCS amount will be automatically applied to your fees
For step-by-step guidance, visit Services Australia’s CCS information page.
Our Centres
Launchpad Early Learning Centre operates two services across Melbourne’s north-east. Each centre provides a welcoming learning environment where children are supported by experienced educators and consistent daily routines.
Families are encouraged to visit the centre closest to them to experience the environment and meet the team. The best way to understand the Launchpad community is to experience it in person. We welcome families to visit the centre, meet our educators, and see how children learn and play throughout the day.
Lower Plenty
150 Main Road, Lower Plenty, VIC 3093
Greensborough
12 Lorimer Street, Greensborough, VIC 3088
Have a Question or Want to Visit?
Choosing childcare is a big decision, and we’re always happy to help. If you’d like to learn more about Launchpad or see one of our centres in person, our team would love to hear from you.
Launchpad is a proud Child Safe organisation and is committed to the Child Safe Standards.