What is a Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

The Child Care Subsidy is a means-tested Australian government payment that subsidises the cost of care at approved child care services across the Gold Coast. It reduces what families pay directly to their provider by covering a percentage of eligible fees.

The amount of CCS a family receives depends on three key factors. First, combined family income determines the maximum subsidy rate, which decreases as income rises. Second, the family's activity level matters: parents or guardians must meet work, training, study, or other approved activity requirements to qualify, with the number of hours of subsidised care tied to hours spent in that activity. Third, the type of service used affects the calculation, as rates differ between long-day care, family day care, preschool, and outside-school-hours care.

Families using approved long-day care providers and other registered services can access CCS if they meet eligibility criteria. The subsidy is paid by the Australian government directly to the provider, meaning families typically see the benefit as a reduced fee on their invoices rather than receiving a payment themselves. This system encourages parents to return to or remain in work or study while making child care more affordable.