Home / Guides / Child Care Subsidy Calculator (2026)
Guide
Child Care Subsidy Calculator (2026)
Estimate your weekly out-of-pocket childcare costs based on your family income, activity level, and daily fee.
Guide Summary
Enter your combined family income and daily childcare fee. The calculator estimates your CCS percentage and weekly gap fee using the 2026-27 Australian Government rates. Results are estimates only. Confirm with Services Australia.
CCS Calculator: Estimate Your Subsidy
How the Child Care Subsidy Works
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the Australian Government's primary financial support for families using approved childcare. It is paid directly to your childcare centre, reducing the amount you pay each day. Your subsidy percentage is determined by your combined family income, tapering from 90% for families earning up to $88,520 to 0% at $538,520.
The subsidy applies to the lower of the actual daily fee or the hourly rate cap ($15.19/hour for long day care in 2026-27, equivalent to $151.90 for a standard 10-hour day). If your centre charges above the cap, you pay the difference in addition to your gap fee. This is particularly relevant in inner Melbourne suburbs where daily fees frequently exceed the cap.
From 5 January 2026, the 3 Day Guarantee replaced the activity test. Every eligible family now receives at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight (about 3 days per week) regardless of activity level, with up to 100 hours available for families doing more than 48 hours of recognised participation (work, study, volunteering).
Frequently Asked Questions
Your CCS percentage is based on your combined annual family income. Families earning up to $88,520 receive the maximum 90% subsidy. The percentage then tapers linearly to 0% at $538,520. The subsidy applies to the lower of the actual fee or the hourly rate cap ($15.19/hour for long day care in 2026-27).
The hourly rate cap for centre-based long day care is $15.19 per hour for 2026-27 (effective 6 July 2026). For a standard 10-hour day, this equals $151.90. If your centre charges more than $151.90/day, the subsidy is calculated on the capped amount and you pay the difference.
From 5 January 2026, the 3 Day Guarantee replaced the old activity test. Every eligible family now receives a minimum of 72 subsidised hours per fortnight (about 3 days per week) regardless of work, study or activity level. Families with more than 48 hours of recognised participation per fortnight can access up to 100 hours. Your income still sets your subsidy percentage, but low or no activity no longer reduces your hours below the 72-hour guarantee.
Ready to find the best childcare in your suburb?
See the top 3 ranked centres in 50+ Melbourne suburbs, verified from Starting Blocks.
Browse suburb guides →