How to apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

How to apply for the Child Care Subsidy

The process doesn’t need to be overcomplicated

We know that child care costs can feel overwhelming, but they shouldn’t stand in the way of your family’s needs. At Dashing Ducks Castle Hill, our focus goes beyond providing quality care; we’re here to assist you in accessing financial supports, such as the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This easy-to-follow guide explains the basics of CCS to help make child care costs more manageable.

Understanding the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The Child Care Subsidy is a government initiative aimed at helping families offset the expenses of child care, whether parents are returning to the workforce, studying, or managing other responsibilities. It’s structured to support a range of family needs, easing the financial burden in a flexible way.

Who Qualifies for the Child Care Subsidy?

Unsure if your family meets the eligibility requirements for the CCS? Here are the primary factors to consider:

Residency and Citizenship: Either you or your partner needs to reside in Australia and meet one of the following criteria:
- Australian citizen,
- Holder of a permanent visa,
- Special Category visa holder,
- Holder of specific temporary visas, like Bridging or Partner visas, if awaiting permanent residency.
Family and Child Criteria:
- Child’s Age: CCS is available for children up to 13 years old who aren’t in secondary school. In certain cases, children with disabilities may qualify up to 18 years old.
- Vaccinations: Children must be up-to-date with their immunisations under the National Immunisation Program or have an approved exemption.
- Responsibility for Child Care Fees: You need to be the person paying for child care costs, typically through an agreement with the child care provider.

Steps to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy

The process of applying for the CCS is straightforward:

Access your MyGov account and ensure it’s linked to Centrelink.
Start a new CCS claim in the Centrelink section.
Complete the required fields, including income details, activity levels, and child care provider information.
Review your application to ensure accuracy, then submit it.

How the Child Care Subsidy is Calculated

Your CCS amount is based on a few factors:

Family Income: The percentage of subsidy you receive decreases as income increases:
- Up to $72,466: 85% subsidy.
- Between $72,466 and $177,466: Subsidy gradually reduces from 85% to 50%.
- Between $177,466 and $256,756: 50% subsidy.
- Between $256,756 and $346,756: Subsidy gradually decreases from 50% to 20%.
- Between $346,756 and $356,756: 20% subsidy.

Activity Level: The number of subsidized hours is linked to your family’s level of activity:
- 8–16 hours per fortnight: Up to 36 hours of care.
- 16–48 hours per fortnight: Up to 72 hours of care.
- Over 48 hours per fortnight: Up to 100 hours of care.
Qualifying activities include paid work, study, volunteering, job hunting, and more, recognizing a variety of ways families contribute.

Immunisation and CCS Requirements

To be eligible for the CCS, your child’s vaccinations must be current:

Vaccination Schedule: Your child should be vaccinated per the National Immunisation Program.
Catch-Up Option: If vaccinations have been delayed, an approved catch-up plan can help meet CCS requirements.
Medical Exemption: Children with certain health conditions may qualify for exemptions.

Medicare’s automatic immunisation checks streamline the process, verifying your child’s status when you apply.

With these steps, Dashing Ducks Castle Hill can help you maximize your eligibility for the CCS, ensuring child care remains affordable and accessible to your family. We’re here to support your journey in every way we can!