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The calculator below estimates your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) percentage and weekly out-of-pocket gap fee based on your combined family income and the number of days per week your child is in care.
Results are indicative only; your actual entitlement is determined by Services Australia based on your full circumstances.
The subsidy and CCS gap fee calculator both reflect current 2026–27 CCS rates, including the minimum 3-Day Guarantee changes. Additional funding such as Sibling rates, Start Strong and Free Kindy are not included in the calculated estimates.
The Child Care Subsidy is an Australian Government payment made directly to your childcare provider to reduce what you pay out of pocket. It applies to approved care types, including long day care, family day care, occasional care, and outside school hours care (OSHC).
CCS is calculated as a percentage of fees, capped at the relevant hourly rate set by the government. The percentage you receive depends on your combined family income, so the higher your income, the lower your subsidy rate. The portion of fees not covered by CCS is your gap fee, which is what families pay directly.
| Combined Family Income | CCS Percentage |
| $0 – $83,280 | 90% |
| $83,281 – $530,000 | Tapers from 90% down to 0% |
| Above $530,000 | 0% |
Figures reflect 2025–26 indexation. Income thresholds are indexed annually.
NSW’s Childcare Subsidy applies up to the hourly rate cap for your care type, not necessarily your full fee. If your centre’s hourly rate exceeds the cap, you pay the difference in full on top of your gap fee.
From January 2026, the 3-Day Guarantee means families no longer need to meet the activity test to access heavily subsidised or free childcare in Australia, for up to 3 days per week of approved childcare. Previously, the number of subsidised hours was tied directly to the number of hours of recognised activity (work, study, or volunteering) each parent completed.
For families where one or both parents have limited or variable activity hours, this change can significantly increase CCS entitlement. If you were previously receiving a lower subsidy rate due to the activity test, it’s worth recalculating your entitlement under the new rules.
If you have more than one child aged 6 or under in an approved childcare centre at the same time, your younger children may be eligible for a higher CCS rate.
Families in the lower income brackets may receive up to 95% subsidy for younger siblings. Speak to your local Rise & Shine centre team or Services Australia to confirm your eligibility.
Your gap fee is what you pay after CCS is applied.
It’s calculated as:
Gap fee = Daily fee − CCS contribution (up to the hourly rate cap).
CCS is only applied up to the hourly rate cap, so if your centre’s fees exceed the cap, you’ll pay the capped gap plus the difference above the cap. Use the CCS percentage calculator above to model your estimated weekly gap fee based on your income and days enrolled.
NSW families with children aged 3–4 years may be eligible for additional fee relief through Start Strong, a NSW Government program that subsidises preschool fees on top of CCS. Eligible children can access Start Strong at approved preschool programs, including Rise & Shine NSW centres.
When both are applied, fees can be reduced to as little as $20 per day for eligible families.
Queensland families with children turning 4 on or before 30 June in their pre-Prep year are eligible for Free Kindy in QLD, getting 600 funded hours per year (15 hours/week across 40 weeks) at approved kindy providers.
Free Kindy applies to the kindy program component of the day; CCS applies separately to wrap-around care hours. The two subsidies work independently and can both be accessed at the same time.
Important: CCS claims can only be backdated 28 days. Apply before your child’s first day of attendance, or on the same day, to avoid losing entitlement for early weeks.
Once you’ve estimated your gap fee, the next step is booking a tour. Rise & Shine operates centres across NSW and Queensland. Speak to your local centre team about current availability, subsidy applications, and enrolment.
NSW families can also ask about Start Strong eligibility; QLD families should ask about Free Kindy when they visit.
From January 2026, the 3-Day Guarantee allows all families, regardless of activity hours, to access CCS for up to 3 days per week. Beyond 3 days, the activity test still applies. Recognised activities include paid work, study, volunteering, and job searching.
Yes. Children must meet immunisation requirements under the No Jab, No Pay policy to be eligible for CCS. Check your child's immunisation status through the Australian Immunisation Register via myGov.
Yes. Paid parental leave and maternity leave count as recognised activity under the CCS activity test, meaning families on leave can still access subsidised care. From January 2026, the 3-Day Guarantee also applies regardless of activity.
CCS is assessed annually based on your estimated income. If your actual income differs from your estimate at tax time, your subsidy may be reconciled, resulting in a top-up or a debt to repay. Update your income estimate in myGov as soon as your circumstances change to avoid a large end-of-year adjustment.
The government withholds 5% of your CCS entitlement throughout the year as a buffer against overpayment. This withheld amount is released after your tax return is lodged and your income is confirmed. If you've been underpaid during the year, you may receive a lump sum back at reconciliation.
Rise & Shine Kindergarten would acknowledge the Traditional Custodians across Australia and recognise First Nations peoples’ continued cultural connection to the land, sky and waterways that surround us. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Rise & Shine Kindergarten would acknowledge the Traditional Custodians across Australia and recognise First Nations peoples’ continued cultural connection to the land, sky and waterways that surround us. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
