Child Care Subsidy
Child Care Subsidy Victoria
Welcome to Inspire ELJ, a government-approved childcare and kindergarten program provider, Inspire campuses are registered for the Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Child Care Subsidy Explained
How Does The Child Care Subsidy Work?
The Child Care Subsidy is paid directly to providers and passed on to families as a fee reduction. The Child Care Subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider on behalf of the family, and the family is responsible for paying the difference between the total childcare fees and the subsidy amount. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘gap’ fee.
What Is Child Care Subsidy?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government payment that helps families reduce the cost of childcare and kindergarten at Inspire Early Learning Journey. The subsidy is paid directly to the provider and passed on as a fee reduction, so families only pay the gap fee—the difference between the total fee and the subsidy amount. At Inspire Early Learning Journey, we make accessing the CCS simple with clear information, transparent billing, and friendly support to help families maximise their savings.
Simple Child Care Subsidy Calculator
Calculate Your Child Care Savings in Melbourne.
At Inspire Early Learning Journey, we’re proud to support Melbourne families by making exceptional childcare and kindergarten education more affordable. Your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) rate is based on your family’s income, and with recent government changes, families earning up to $80,000 can now receive up to 90% CCS support on their childcare and kindergarten fees.
“At Inspire Early Learning Journey, we believe that every child deserves access to high-quality early education, no matter a family’s financial situation. That’s why we actively support families in understanding, applying for, and maintaining the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). From explaining eligibility and guiding you through the myGov application process, to helping you manage your subsidy year after year, our team is here to make childcare more affordable and stress-free. With CCS, many families pay significantly less — and with our guidance, you can feel confident knowing you’re receiving the full support you’re entitled to.”
Am I Entitled To CCS?
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Eligibility.
To receive the Child Care Subsidy, your child must be under 13 years old, enrolled in an approved childcare or Kindergarten service like Inspire Early Learning & Kindergarten, and meet immunisation, income, and activity requirements.
Who Can Get the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
You May Be Eligible For Child Care Subsidy CCS If You:
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Care for a child aged 13 or under who isn’t in secondary school.
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Use an approved childcare service like Inspire Early Learning & Kindergarten.
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Live in Australia and meet citizenship or residency requirements.
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Ensure your child meets immunisation requirements (or has an exemption).
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Have a combined family income under $530,279 per year.
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Do recognised activities such as work, study, training, or volunteering (activity test)
How Much CCS Will I Receive?
Combined Family Income.
Your combined household income determines your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) percentage. Families on lower incomes may receive the maximum 90% subsidy, reducing the cost of childcare and kindergarten fees at Inspire Early Learning Journey.
How Much Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Will I Receive?
Affordable Childcare and Kindergarten Starts Here — You Could Get Up To 90% Subsidy:
- Up to $85,279 → You’ll get the maximum 90% subsidy.
- $85,280 – $530,279 → Your subsidy reduces gradually by 1% for every $5,000 of income.
- $530,280 or more → You’re not eligible for CCS.
If you have more than one child aged 5 or under, your second and younger children may get up to 95% subsidy
How Much CCS Hours Would I Receive?
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Hours.
The number of subsidised childcare hours you receive each fortnight depends on how many hours you and your partner work, study, train, or volunteer. More recognised activity means more subsidised hours and days you can attend at Inspire Early learning Journey.
Recognised Activities for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Hours
Your subsidised childcare hours depend on your family’s activity level. Recognised activities include:
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Paid work (including self-employment)
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Paid or unpaid leave (e.g. parental or maternity leave)
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Unpaid work in a family business
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Unpaid work experience or internships
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Actively setting up a business
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Approved education or study
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Training to improve work skills or employment prospects
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Actively looking for work
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Volunteering
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Other activities (assessed on a case-by-case basis by Services Australia)
Once Approved & Attending Inspire
Once Approved For Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
The Government pays the subsidy directly to Inspire Early Learning & Kindergarten. You only pay the gap fee (the reduced out-of-pocket cost), making childcare and kindergarten more affordable for your family.
At Inspire Early Learning Journey, we know that applying for and managing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can feel confusing. That’s why our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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We’ll explain how CCS works in simple terms.
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We’ll help you through the application process via your myGov account.
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We’ll support you in keeping your CCS up to date by reminding you about income estimates, activity hours, and enrolment confirmations.
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Our friendly team is always available to answer questions and assist with any CCS changes.
How Does The Childcare Subsidy Work?
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a program the Australian Government provides to help families with the cost of child care. It is designed to make child care more affordable and accessible and ensure all children have access to a quality early-years education and care experience.
Get Started.
You apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) through Services Australia (Centrelink), using your MyGov Account.
Simple Child Care Subsidy Calculator
Understanding Your Child Care Subsidy (CCS): Everything Families Need To Know
Navigating the Child Care Subsidy can feel complex, so we’ve simplified it. Below, you’ll find easy-to-understand information about CCS percentages, eligible activity hours, the 3-Day Guarantee, and higher subsidy rates for families with more than one child. This section helps Melbourne families estimate out-of-pocket fees and understand exactly how CCS supports affordable early education at Inspire Early Learning Journey.
- Child Care Subsidy Percentage
- Child Care Subsidy Activity Levels
- Higher CCS for Families With Multiple Children
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Percentage Rates.
Your combined family income determines how much Child Care Subsidy (CCS) you receive. Families on lower incomes can access up to a 90% subsidy, significantly reducing childcare and kindergarten fees at Inspire Early Learning Journey. This Government support makes quality early learning more affordable and accessible for families.
According to Services Australia, your family income is your and your partner’s adjusted taxable income (ATI) for the financial year. This can include:
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Wages and salaries (from employment)
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Business or self-employment income
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Investment income (interest, dividends, rental income)
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Foreign income (if applicable)
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Reportable fringe benefits
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Reportable superannuation contributions (like salary sacrifice)
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Tax-free pensions or benefits
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Certain child support payments
Annual Family Income: Up to $85,279
Eligible CCS Percentage: Up to 90%
Family Income (Annual): $85,280 – $530,279
Child Care Subsidy reduces by 1% for every $5,000 above $85,279.
Family Income (Annual): $530,280 or More — 0% (Not Eligible)
Child Care Subsidy Activity Levels.
Your combined family income determines how much Child Care Subsidy (CCS) you receive. Families on lower incomes can access up to a 90% subsidy, significantly reducing childcare and kindergarten fees at Inspire Early Learning Journey. This Government support makes quality early learning more affordable and accessible for families.
The Child Care Subsidy percentage your family is entitled to also depends on your family’s activity levels.
Recognised Activities Include:
- Paid work including being self employed
- Paid or unpaid leave, including paid or unpaid parental or maternity leave
- Unpaid work in a family business
- Unpaid work experience or unpaid internship
- Actively setting up a business
- Doing an approved course of education or study
- Doing training to improve work skills or employment prospects
- Actively looking for work
- Volunteering
Recognised Activity: More Than 48 Hours
100 Hours of Subsidised Care
Recognised Activity: 16 – 48 Hours
72 Hours of Subsidised Care
Recognised Activity: 8 – 16 Hours
36 Hours of Subsidised Care
Less Than 8 Hours Per Fortnight (Income ≤ $85,279)
24 Hours of Subsidised Care
36 Hours of Subsidised Care
Less Than 8 Hours Per Fortnight (Income > $85,279)
0 Hours of Subsidised Care
24 Hours of Subsidised Care
36 Hours of Subsidised Care
Higher Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for Families With More Than One Child.
How The Higher CCS Rate Works.
Your combined family income determines how much Child Care Subsidy (CCS) you receive. Families on lower incomes can access up to a 90% subsidy, significantly reducing childcare and kindergarten fees at Inspire Early Learning Journey. This Government support makes quality early learning more affordable and accessible for families.
At Inspire Early Learning Journey, we understand the cost of childcare can add up when you have more than one child enrolled. The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) offers a higher subsidy rate to help families with multiple children aged 5 or under in care.
Who Can Get the Higher CCS Rate?
You may be eligible if:
- You already receive, or are eligible for, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
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You have more than one child aged 5 or younger in approved childcare.
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Your family’s combined income is under $354,305.
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Your younger child (or children) is enrolled in childcare at an approved service like Inspire Early Learning Journey.
When a family has more than one child aged 5 or younger in care, the subsidy is calculated using two separate child-categories: the ‘standard-rate child’ (usually the eldest eligible child aged 5 or under) and the ‘higher-rate child/children’ (the younger eligible child or children).
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The standard-rate child receives the family’s normal CCS percentage.
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Each higher-rate child may receive an additional subsidy — up to 30 percentage points more than the standard rate, capped at a maximum of 95% of the relevant fee/hourly rate cap.
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For example: if your standard CCS rate is 60%, your eldest (standard-rate child) would receive 60%, while a younger child (higher-rate child) could receive up to 90%.
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The rate applied to any higher-rate child depends on family income, and two separate income tests are used (one for standard-rate children, one for higher-rate children).
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This applies even if children attend different approved child care services or early learning centres — siblings do not need to be at the same provider for a family to qualify.
“CCS. Confusing? Not With Us.”
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Made Simple — We’re Here To Help.
Frequent Asked CCS Questions
Frequently Asked Child Care Subsidy Questions?
1. What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and how does it work?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government payment that helps families reduce the cost of childcare and kindergarten fees. At Inspire Early Learning Journey, the CCS is applied directly to your account, so you only pay the gap fee (the reduced out-of-pocket cost). Your subsidy percentage depends on your family income and the number of activity hours (work, study, training, or volunteering) you complete each fortnight.
2. How much Child Care Subsidy can my family receive?
The amount of CCS you receive is based on your combined family income:
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Up to $85,279 → 90% subsidy (maximum)
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$85,280 – $530,279 → subsidy gradually reduces by 1% for every $5,000
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$530,280 or more → no subsidy available
Families with more than one child aged 5 or under in care may be eligible for a higher subsidy (up to 95%) for younger children.
3. Who is eligible for the Child Care Subsidy at Inspire Early Learning Journey?
You may be eligible for CCS if:
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Your child is aged 13 or under and not attending secondary school.
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You use an approved childcare service like Inspire Early Learning Journey.
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You or your partner meet residency and immunisation requirements.
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Your combined family income is below $530,279 per year.
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You meet the activity test (through work, study, training, volunteering, or looking for work).
4. How are Child Care Subsidy activity hours calculated?
The number of subsidised hours you receive depends on your family’s recognised activity per fortnight:
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Less than 8 hours → 0 hours (or 24 if income ≤ $85,279)
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8–16 hours → 36 hours
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16–48 hours → 72 hours
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More than 48 hours → 100 hours
From January 2026, all families will be guaranteed at least 72 hours per fortnight (equivalent to 3 days per week).
5. How do I apply for the Child Care Subsidy through myGov?
You apply for CCS through your myGov account linked to Centrelink:
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Log in to myGov → Centrelink → Payments & Claims → Make a Claim.
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Select Families → Child Care Subsidy.
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Provide your family income estimate and activity hours.
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Confirm your child’s enrolment with Inspire Early Learning Journey.
The subsidy is then paid directly to us, and you only pay the reduced gap fee.
6. Does the Child Care Subsidy cover kindergarten fees?
Yes. At Inspire Early Learning Journey, the CCS applies to both childcare fees and kindergarten fees, helping families reduce the overall cost of early learning. This ensures your child can access a quality early education program while you save on out-of-pocket costs.
7. Can I get a higher CCS rate if I have more than one child in care?
Yes. Families with more than one child aged 5 or under in approved care may qualify for a higher CCS rate (up to 95%) for their second and younger children, provided your family income is below $354,305. Your eldest child receives your standard CCS rate, while younger children benefit from the higher rate.
8. What is Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI) and why does it matter for CCS?
Your Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI) is the figure used by Services Australia to determine your CCS percentage. ATI includes your taxable income plus things like reportable super contributions, investment income, fringe benefits, and tax-free pensions. The more accurate your ATI, the more accurate your CCS entitlement will be.
9. What is the childcare gap fee and how do I pay it?
The gap fee is the difference between your childcare fees and the subsidy the government pays to Inspire Early Learning Journey. Families pay the gap fee directly to the centre, either weekly or fortnightly, depending on your payment arrangement. The gap fee ensures CCS is applied transparently and families only pay the reduced out-of-pocket cost.
10. How does Inspire Early Learning Journey support families with CCS?
At Inspire Early Learning Journey, we do more than provide exceptional childcare and kindergarten programs — we also support families through every step of the CCS process. Our team helps explain eligibility, guide you through the myGov application, and assist with ongoing updates like income changes or enrolment confirmations. We make sure families understand their entitlements so childcare remains affordable, simple, and stress-free.
