Child Care Subsidy Cost Calculator
Estimate what your family may pay for approved childcare after Child Care Subsidy. Enter actual session costs and supported eligibility details to see the subsidy estimate and the remaining bill.
Calculation breakdown
How to use this tool
- Choose the financial year and care type.
- Enter family income, approved hours and session details.
- Review gross subsidy, withholding and your estimated payment.
How the result is calculated
The subsidy percentage applies to eligible hourly costs within the relevant cap and approved hours. Costs above the cap and unsupported hours remain outside that calculation.
Worked example
For a hypothetical 10-hour session costing $120, a $10 hourly cap and 80% subsidy produce $80 support and a $40 family gap before withholding.
What this result does not cover
Services Australia determines eligibility and reconciles payments. Income changes, special programs and debt recovery can alter the outcome.
Questions people ask
Is the subsidy based on the full daily fee?
Not always. Hourly caps and approved hours can limit the eligible amount.
Why is some subsidy withheld?
Withholding can reduce overpayment risk; it is separate from the gross entitlement estimate.
Do unused subsidised hours pay out?
No. An approved-hours limit is not a cash payment for unused care.
Supported scope and official sources
Rates effective 6 July 2026; centre-based / outside-school-hours and family day care. Confirm approved 72 or 100 fortnightly hours under current participation rules. One repeated session pattern per child; no absences, In Home Care, Additional CCS or debt recovery. Higher sibling status must be independently confirmed.
- www.servicesaustralia.gov.au — your income can affect child care subsidy
- www.servicesaustralia.gov.au — type child care you use can affect child care subsidy
- www.servicesaustralia.gov.au — your number children care can affect your higher child care subsidy
- www.servicesaustralia.gov.au — hours subsidised child care for child care subsidy
Source snapshot: 22 October 2026. Independent specialist review is pending. Calculations do not confirm eligibility or replace official decisions.