Australia Child Care Subsidy Calculator
Estimate your Child Care Subsidy rate and subsidised hours per fortnight for 2025-26 from family income and activity.
What is this tool?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a payment that reduces out-of-pocket child care costs. The percentage you get depends on your combined family income, and the number of subsidised hours depends on the recognised activity (work, study, volunteering) of the lower-earning parent. This tool estimates both for 2025-26.How it works
Enter your combined family income and the lower-earner activity hours, then press Calculate.2025-26 rates used
| Income | CCS rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $85,279 | 90% |
| $90,000 | 89% |
| $95,000 | 88% |
| $200,000 | 67% |
| $535,279 and above | 0% |
Rate steps down 1 percentage point for every $5,000 of combined family income above $85,279.
| Activity (lower earner) | Subsidised hours / fortnight |
|---|---|
| Under 8 hours (and income ≤ $85,279) | 24 |
| 8 to 15 hours | 36 |
| 16 to 48 hours | 72 |
| More than 48 hours | 100 |
What this estimate excludes
This tool shows the CCS rate and subsidised hours only. Your actual out-of-pocket cost also depends on the hourly fee charged by the service and the annual subsidy cap. Services Australia makes the formal assessment.
How to use
- Enter combined family income.
- Enter lower-earner activity hours per fortnight.
- Press Calculate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the rate set?
Families earning up to $85,279 get the maximum 90%. Above that the rate steps down 1 percentage point for every $5,000 of income, reaching 0% at $535,279.
How are the hours set?
The activity test of the lower-earning parent decides subsidised hours: under 8 hours of recognised activity gives 24 hours (if income is $85,279 or less) or 0; 8-15 hours gives 36; 16-48 hours gives 72; more than 48 gives 100 hours per fortnight.
What is not included?
This estimate shows the rate and hours only. Your actual out-of-pocket cost also depends on the hourly fee and the child care subsidy cap. Services Australia makes the formal assessment.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial professional for advice specific to your situation.
Tips & Advice
Combined family income is the adjusted taxable income of both parents added together. Activity includes paid work, unpaid work in a business, study, training and approved volunteering.Related Tools
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Sources & References
Last reviewed: September 2026.
- Services Australia – Child Care Subsidy.
- Department of Education – Child Care Subsidy.
Limitations
Uses the 2025-26 CCS income bands and hourly rate caps and assumes centre-based day care with a standard activity level. It does not model the higher subsidy for the second and younger child, the activity test for recognised activities, the 12-month absence rules, or In Home Care. Your actual subsidy depends on your provider’s hourly fee and your assessed activity.