Sending your child to childcare offers countless benefits, from boosting their social skills to laying strong educational foundations. For working parents, childcare is also a pathway to maintaining employment. However, covering childcare expenses can be challenging. The good news is that the Australian government provides a Childcare Subsidy to help reduce the financial burden.
If you’re wondering about the childcare subsidy application process, eligibility for childcare assistance in Australia, or the steps to apply, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for childcare subsidy.
What Is the Childcare Subsidy?
The Childcare Subsidy (CCS) is a payment provided by Services Australia to approved childcare providers. This reduces the childcare fees you pay out of pocket. The amount you receive depends on factors like:
- Your combined family income
- Hourly rate cap for your childcare service type
- Hours of activity (work, study, or volunteering) for you and your partner
- The age of your child
- The number of children in your care
Eligibility Criteria for Childcare Subsidy
To claim the subsidy, you or your partner must meet the following requirements:
- Care for a child aged 13 or younger who’s not attending secondary school (unless an exemption applies).
- Use an approved childcare service.
- Be responsible for paying the childcare fees.
- Meet residency and immunisation requirements.
For full details on the eligibility criteria, visit Services Australia’s eligibility page.
How to Apply for Childcare Subsidy
Follow these four simple steps to apply for childcare assistance:
1. Set Up a myGov Account
To start, create a myGov account at myGov. Link this account to Centrelink, which allows access to government services including childcare assistance in Australia.
- For those who already have a Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN), linking your account is straightforward.
- If you're new to Centrelink and have no CRN, you’ll need to prove your identity online by providing documents such as your Medicare card and acceptable identity documents.
2. Prove Your Identity
To claim any Centrelink payments, including the childcare subsidy, you must verify your identity. You can do this:
- Online through myGov by submitting identification documents.
- Over the phone by providing commencement, primary, and secondary documentation.
- In-person at a local service centre.
3. Submit Supporting Documents
Centrelink will ask for specific documents to process your claim. These may include proof of income, childcare arrangements, and more. Upload the documents via:
- Your Centrelink online account.
- The Express Plus Centrelink app.
- Mail, fax, or by visiting a Centrelink office.
4. Confirm Your Child's Enrolment
Once your child is enrolled in an approved childcare service, confirm their enrolment through Centrelink. Ensure the details provided by your childcare service align with the Complying Written Arrangement (CWA), which outlines the agreed care sessions and costs.
Processing Time
It usually takes up to 28 days for claims to be processed. Be proactive and apply early to avoid delays. Claims can be backdated up to 28 days, but you'll need to cover the full fees until the subsidy is approved.
Adding Another Child to Your Childcare Subsidy
Already getting the Childcare Subsidy but welcomed a new addition to your family? You can easily add your child through myGov:
- Log in to your myGov account.
- Select the Centrelink option, then go to the Families menu and choose Childcare.
- Select Add child to Childcare Subsidy and complete the form.
Track your claim’s progress in the Centrelink online portal or the Express Plus Centrelink app.
Tips for Applying
- Apply early, preferably before your child starts care.
- Double-check all information to avoid errors or delays.
- Use our Subsidy Calculator to estimate how much subsidy you might receive. Try it here.
Find the Best Childcare for Your Family
Once you’ve navigated the subsidy application process, finding the right childcare service is the next step. Tools like the Subsidy Calculator can guide you in making the best choice for your child’s needs.
For more resources and childcare options, visit Care For Kids.
