The cost of childcare in Australia

Childcare is a necessary cost for a lot of families to place their child/children in care while they work, for early education reasons or simply for a necessary break to re-charge. While the cost of childcare in Australia is not free, the Federal Government does support parents and can provide financial assistance in the form of Child Care Subsidy (CCS), provided parents meet the requirements.

What is covered in daily fees?

• 5 nutritious and multicultural meals a day prepared by an on-site cook

• Nappies

• Incursions and excursions by an external provider

• Dedicated on-site Educational leader

• 3 and 4 year old kinder program

• Long day-care hours from 6:30am to 6:30pm

What is Child Care Subsidy?

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is financial assistance provided for families who wish to enrol their child/children at an approved Childcare and Kindergarten service from the Federal Government. The subsidy is given to your childcare service who will deduct it from your daily fees.

Who can get CCS?

To receive financial assistance, you or your partner must meet the following criterial:

• Be the carer of the child at least 2 nights per fortnight

• Meet residency rules i.e. currently live in Australia and hold either Australian citizenship or (permanent visa, specific category visa, partner provisional visa or temporary protection visa)

• Will be responsible for paying the childcare fees Use an approved childcare centre service

• Your child meets immunisation requirements

• Have a Centrelink customer reference number (CRN) and each child must have one too

How much financial assistance can I get?

The CCS is calculated as a percentage based on your combined income and activity test (recognised number of hours of approved activity). For information on activity hours visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Will I receive additional assistance if I enrol more than one child?

Yes! If you have two children aged 5 or under attending long day care and/or out of school hours care you will be eligible for a second discount through your childcare subsidy.

This will apply to your youngest child, the discount will depend on your current CCS entitlement but in most circumstances it will be 30% extra, up to 95% of the total fee for your second child.

Is there any further financial assistance?

Additional assistance can be paid on top if you are:

• A grandparent who is the primary carer of the child

• Transitioning to work

• Experiencing financial hardship

• For the child’s well being

To calculate your potential childcare subsidy, visit www.childcaresubsidycalculator.com.au.

Enter your household income, the number of days you plan to place your child in childcare, the number of hours daily and the centre’s daily cost.

The summary will show you how much subsidy you will receive weekly and your out of pocket expenses.

Article written and supplied by Kool Kidz Childcare.