Fees

The CCS was introduced by the Australian Government to ensure as many Australian children as possible could access early learning and childcare. Edge Early Learning is a CCS-approved childcare service, meaning that, depending on your family’s individual circumstances, a percentage of your out-of-pocket costs of daycare will be subsidised by the Government CCS. CCS is paid directly to approved childcare providers to reduce the fees a family has to pay.

The amount of subsidy a family receives depends on their income and activity level. You can check your eligibility through MyGov. Other key eligibility criteria include:

• Attending a CCS-approved childcare service like Edge Early Learning
• You must be the person responsible for paying the childcare fees
• From January 2026, the activity test will not apply to CCS meaning all families eligible for the CCS (Child Care Subsidy) will automatically receive a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight, or 3 days of care per week, no matter what your work, study or volunteer activity hours are.
• Your child must be immunised, on a recognised catch-up immunisation schedule or have an approved exemption
• You and your child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a relevant visa
• You must care for your child at least 2 nights per fortnight or have 14% share of care

1. Family Income

Your family’s combined income plays a key role in determining your CCS rate. The higher your income, the lower the subsidy percentage. If you have more than one child aged 5 or younger, you may get a higher rate for one or more of your children.

2. Recognised Activities per fortnight

Up until January 2026, you and/or your partner must complete recognised activities each fortnight to be eligible. The amount of hours completed (also known as your Activity Level) is based on the lesser of the two between you and your partner. Recognised activities include:

• Paid work including self employment
• Paid or unpaid leave, including paid or unpaid maternity or parental leave
• Unpaid work in a family business
• Unpaid work experience or an unpaid internship
• Actively setting up a business
• Studying, training or improving your employment prospects
• Actively looking for work
• Volunteering*

*If volunteering or looking for work is your only recognised activity, Centrelink will count the first 16 hours towards your activity level.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can access at least 36 hours of subsidised childcare for each child, regardless of your recognised Activity Level.

From January 2026, the Activity Test will no longer apply to CCS. All families eligible for subsidised care will have access to 72 hours of care per fortnight, or 3 days per week, regardless of their Activity Level. Families caring for a First Nations child will be eligible for 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.

CCS Withholding

The Government will automatically withhold 5% of your CCS. This is to help reduce the likelihood of you receiving an overpayment and incurring a debt with Centrelink. Twice a year, you can vary this amount online to suit your circumstances.

3. Child’s age and number of children

The age of your child and the number of children in care can impact your subsidy entitlement. Generally, your family may be eligible for a higher level of subsidy for each additional child in care.

4. Type of Child Care

CCS is influenced by the type of approved child care service you use and your child’s age, which determines the hourly rate cap. The maximum CCS hourly cap is $14.63. This hourly cap is reviewed annually by the government.

Edge Early Learning is a CCS-approved childcare service, meaning part of your out-of-pocket costs may be subsidised, depending on your family’s eligibility.

5. Additional Child Care Subsidy Child Wellbeing (ACCS)

Where a child is vulnerable or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, an approved childcare provider can apply for the ACCS, which entitles the child to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.

You can also apply for ACCS yourself via Centrelink under the following circumstances:

• A grandparent with guardianship of the child/ren
• Transitioning to work
• Experiencing temporary financial hardship

From January 2026, the Australian Government will implement a Three-Day Guarantee, providing families with three days of subsidised child care per week, regardless of their work or study status. This policy would replace the existing activity test that currently requires proof of approved activity, employment or study for subsidy eligibility.

Our Centre Directors can help ensure your family maximises the CCS you’re entitled to, depending on your individual circumstances. Our team can help you understand which session length is most appropriate for your family’s situation. For example:

• Families entitled to 100 CCS hours per fortnight, who attend 5 days per week: We would generally suggest 10-hour sessions if this suits your family’s care requirements.
• Families entitled to 72 or 36 CCS hours per fortnight, we recommend speaking with your Centre Director as advice will depend on the number of days your child attends per week.

• Keep Records: Maintain accurate records of your income and recognised activities to ensure correct subsidy calculations.
• Report Changes Promptly: Notify Services Australia of any changes in your family circumstances to avoid overpayments or underpayments.
• Higher CCS for second child: you may receive a higher subsidy for the second child if you have more than one child under 5 years old.
• Increase activity hours: Your family may qualify for up to 100 hours of CCS if you are doing more than 48 hours of activity per week.
• Explore Additional Support: Check if you’re eligible for other assistance programs, such as Family Tax Benefit or Income Support Payments.

Speak to the Centre Director at your local Edge Early Learning Centre to discuss your individual circumstances and how we can help you maximise your subsidy entitlements.