Enter your combined family income, approved activity hours, and daily childcare fee. The calculator estimates your CCS percentage and weekly gap fee using the 2025-26 Australian Government rates. Results are estimates only — confirm with Services Australia.
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 $85,279 to 0% at $535,279.
The subsidy applies to the lower of the actual daily fee or the hourly rate cap ($14.63/hour for long day care in 2025-26, equivalent to $146.30 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.
The activity test limits the number of subsidised hours per fortnight based on the hours of recognised activity (work, study, volunteering) you and your partner undertake. If you use more hours than your tier allows, those additional hours are charged at full fee with no subsidy.
Your CCS percentage is based on your combined annual family income. Families earning up to $85,279 receive the maximum 90% subsidy. The percentage then tapers linearly to 0% at $535,279. The subsidy applies to the lower of the actual fee or the hourly rate cap ($14.63/hour for long day care in 2025-26).
The hourly rate cap for centre-based long day care is $14.63 per hour for 2025-26. For a standard 10-hour day, this equals $146.30. If your centre charges more than $146.30/day, the subsidy is calculated on the capped amount and you pay the difference.
The activity test limits the number of subsidised hours per fortnight, not the percentage. If you use more hours than your activity tier allows, those extra hours are at full fee. Both parents must meet an activity requirement — the lower tier applies.
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