Childcare subsidy calculator/estimator (CCS)

Do you qualify for the childcare subsidy?

Parent work arrangements

Are you currently engaged in paid work, self-employed, doing unpaid work in a family business, looking for work, volunteering, or studying?

Are you or your partner currently engaged in paid work, self-employed, doing unpaid work in a family business, looking for work, volunteering, or studying?

Childcare details (1st child)

Full-day childcare (12 hours)
Part-day childcare (less than 12 hours)


Childcare details (2nd child)

Full-day childcare (12 hours)
Part-day childcare (less than 12 hours)


Childcare details (3rd child)

Full-day childcare (12 hours)
Part-day childcare (less than 12 hours)


Childcare details (4th child)

Full-day childcare (12 hours)
Part-day childcare (less than 12 hours)


Childcare details (5th child)

Full-day childcare (12 hours)
Part-day childcare (less than 12 hours)

Your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Results


Childcare fee estimator / calculator

The childcare subsidy calculator above also calculates the childcare fees you pay - weekly, quarterly and annually.

When calculating this figure, it considers the childcare rate for all of your children, as well as the average time they spend in childcare.

Be aware that this is an estimation. The actual figure will vary depending on the amount of childcare actually attended by your child.

Childcare subsidy assessments

The childcare activity and childcare subsidy tests are undertaken to measure a household's circumstances. The outcome of these tests are used to determine to what extent a family's childcare costs will be subsidised.

Childcare subsidy income test

The rebate income test is used to work out your eligibility for the childcare subsidy, as well as what portion will be subsidised.

Many items from your tax return are analysed in this test, however, as your income increases, your childcare subsidy generally decreases, visa versa.

Centrelink childcare subsidy activity test

The activity test determines how many hours of subsidised childcare a family qualifies for. This three-step activity test looks at the amount of hours each parent is engaged in recognised activity. The parent engaged in the least hours of recognised activity per week is then used to determine the subsidy.

Although there are exemptions, recognised activity is usually restricted to:

  • Paid work
  • Self-employment
  • Work in your family business that does not pay
  • Courses and training that provide you with skills, making you more employable.
  • Approved education, studies and courses
  • Volunteer work
  • Unpaid internships or apprenticeships
  • Active job seeking
  • Setting up your own business

New childcare subsidy / rebate calculator changes 2019

The Childcare Subsidy (CCS) and Additional Childcare Subsidy (ACCS) replaced the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate in June 2018.

The Additional Childcare Subsidy (ACCS) is designed to support children who need assistance most. This includes those that are abused, neglected, or in difficult financial positions.

According to the Department of education, the new system will provide increased subsidies to over 70% of Australian families. On the other hand, 24% of families are said to receive decreased subsidies.