About This Site

What we do, where the data comes from, and what this site is (and isn't).

What This Site Does

The Child Care Subsidy Calculator helps Australian families understand exactly how the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) applies to their situation — without needing to log into myGov or wade through government documentation.

Enter your family income, care type, and provider fee to instantly see:

  • Your exact CCS percentage (standard or higher rate for multiple children)
  • Your weekly and annual out-of-pocket cost after subsidy
  • How your costs change at different income levels (income sensitivity table)
  • Whether returning to work is financially worthwhile, net of tax, reduced CCS, and work costs

All calculations run in your browser. We do not store any personal information you enter.

What This Site Is Not

This site provides estimates and general information only — not financial advice.

  • We are not affiliated with Services Australia, the Department of Education, or any government body.
  • Results are estimates based on published rate data. Your actual CCS may differ depending on activity test outcomes, withholding reconciliation, and provider-specific fee arrangements.
  • The Back-to-Work analysis covers financial impact only. Career development, superannuation, mental health, and personal fulfilment are real considerations not captured by these numbers.
  • Always verify your entitlements directly with Services Australia before making financial decisions.

How the Calculations Work

CCS percentage

For families earning at or below $85,279, the maximum 90% rate applies. Above this threshold, the rate reduces by 1 percentage point for every $5,000 of additional income, reaching 0% at $535,279. This matches the published Services Australia formula exactly.

Higher rate (multiple children)

Families with two or more children under 6 in approved care receive the higher rate for younger children: the eldest child's standard rate plus 30 percentage points, capped at 95%. This rule applies from 10 July 2023.

Hourly rate cap

CCS is calculated on the lesser of the actual fee charged or the government's hourly rate cap for the care type and child age. If your provider charges above the cap, you pay the full above-cap amount in addition to your gap fee.

5% withholding

Services Australia withholds 5% of each CCS payment during the year as a buffer against overpayment. This is reconciled after your tax return. Our results show both the in-year gap fee (with withholding) and the true annual cost (after reconciliation).

Back-to-Work analysis

For each 1–5 day working scenario, we calculate proportional gross income, individual income tax (FY 2025–26 brackets with Medicare levy and LITO), new combined family income, resulting CCS rate, annual childcare cost at max(current days, working days) care per week, and proportional work costs. Net benefit = additional net income − extra childcare cost − work costs.

Data Sources

All rate data is verified against official government sources and updated at the start of each financial year (1 July). Current rates are effective from 1 July 2025.

When Rates Are Updated

CCS income thresholds and hourly rate caps are updated by the government on 1 July each year for the new financial year. We update this site's data files and verify all calculations in early July when the new rates are confirmed.

This site currently uses FY 2025–26 rates, effective from 1 July 2025. Income tax brackets reflect the FY 2025–26 Schedule 1 rates published by the ATO, including the revised Stage 3 rate adjustments.

Use the CCS Calculator →