The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government program that provides financial assistance to help families with the cost of approved childcare services, making quality early learning more accessible and affordable.

The subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider and is calculated based on family income, the age and number of children in care, and the hours parents spend in work, study, or other approved activities. Families make a co-contribution by paying the difference between the childcare fees and the subsidised amount.

Use our CCS calculator below to estimate your out-of-pocket childcare costs, or find out more about the subsidy through Services Australia.