Childcare Subsidies

we understand that navigating childcare costs can be a significant factor for families

we understand that navigating childcare costs can be a significant factor for families.

This page covers childcare subsidies in NSW for children aged 3 to 6 years. Click the buttons below for more details on specific subsidies.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

CCS helps families with the cost of approved childcare and is paid directly to the centre, reducing your fees.

NSW Strong Start Fee Relief

A percentage reduction on top of the CCS, further reducing your out-of-pocket costs for childcare.

Special Circumstances and Additional Support

Additional support available for families in specific circumstances.

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

Am I eligible to receive CCS?

To be eligible for the CCS, generally, you must:

Be a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in an approved childcare service.

Your child must be attending, or scheduled to attend, the service.

Meet the income and activity test requirements.

Be an Australian resident.

It’s crucial to note that these are general guidelines. The most up-to-date and detailed eligibility criteria are available on the Services Australia website.

How is CCS calculated?

The amount of CCS you’re eligible for depends on a few factors:

Combined Family Income

Your family's income is a key determinant of the percentage of the fee subsidy you'll receive.

Activity Test:

The activity test assesses your level of activity through work, study, training, or volunteering. Different levels of activity entitle you to different hours of subsidised care. Both parents in a couple must meet the activity test requirements, unless exempt.

Type of Childcare Service

Long day care, like Bright Blocks, is an approved type of care eligible for the CCS.

Number of Children

Families with more than one child may be eligible for a higher subsidy rate for their younger children.

How do I apply for CCS?

Applying for the CCS is done online through the myGov website. Here are the general steps:

STEP 1

Set up your MyGov account

Make sure your MyGov account is set up and ready for use.

STEP 2

Prepare your claim

Log in to your MyGov account, navigate to Centrelink, and select Payment and Claims. Click on "Make a Claim Under Families," then click "Get Started." Answer all the questions, follow the prompts, and submit your claim. A separate claim is required for each child.

STEP 3

Supply necessary documents

Provide all necessary information and documentation to support your claim.

STEP 1

Set up your MyGov account

Make sure your MyGov account is set up and ready for use.

STEP 2

Prepare your claim

STEP 3

Supply necessary documents

Provide all necessary information and documentation to support your claim.

We strongly recommend visiting the Services Australia website for a step-by-step guide and to ensure you have all the required documentation.

NSW Strong Start Fee Relief

Bright Blocks Early Learning Centre is working towards participation in the NSW Strong Start Relief program. This initiative may be available in the near future to provide additional fee relief for families with children aged 3-6 years who are enrolled in our centre. Strong Start provides a percentage reduction on top of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), further reducing your out-of-pocket costs for childcare

Am I eligible for Strong Start?

To be eligible for the Strong Start Fee Relief program, your child must meet all of the following criteria:

Age

Be at least 3 years old on or before 31 July 2025 (meaning the child must have a birthdate on, or before 31 July 2022). This means that children turning 3 between 1st August 2022 and 31st July 2025 are eligible during this period.

Enrolment

Be attending an eligible early childhood education program at a participating service.

Schooling

Not be enrolled in compulsory schooling (Kindergarten or Year 1). Strong Start is designed for children in the year or two before they start formal schooling.

One Centre at a Time

You can only claim Strong Start fee relief at one early childhood education and care service at a time. If your child attends multiple centres, you will need to choose which centre receives the Strong Start funding.

What are some key things I need to understand about Strong Start?

Participating services

Not all childcare centres participate in the Strong Start program. It's important to confirm that your chosen service is a participating service.

Income isn't a direct factor

While your family income affects your CCS entitlement, it does not directly determine your eligibility for Strong Start. All eligible children receive the Strong Start fee relief regardless of family income. However, your CCS amount will vary based on income, and this will affect your overall out-of-pocket costs.

How it works

The Strong Start fee relief is paid directly to the service, just like the CCS. This reduces the fees you pay.

How to claim

Upon enrolment, a 2025 Fee Relief Declaration and Consent Form will need to be completed and submitted. You do not need to make a separate claim for Strong Start. If your child meets the eligibility criteria and you are receiving CCS, the Strong Start fee relief will be automatically applied by your participating service.

Where can I find more information?

You can find the most up-to-date and detailed information about the Strong Start Fee Relief program, including any changes to eligibility criteria, on the NSW Government website.

We also encourage you to speak with our friendly staff at Bright Blocks, who can answer any specific questions you have and provide personalised information about how Strong Start applies to your family.

Special Circumstances and Additional Support

While the CCS is the main subsidy, there may be additional support available for families in specific circumstances.

Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS)

This may be available for families experiencing temporary hardship, or for children at risk. There are different categories of ACCS. More information can be found on the Services Australia website.

NSW Government Support

The NSW government may offer additional support programs. Check the NSW Government website for any current initiatives.

It’s important to discuss your individual circumstances with Centrelink and/or a Bright Blocks staff member to determine if you’re eligible for any additional support.

How CCS Affects Fees at Bright Blocks

The CCS is paid directly to Bright Blocks, which reduces the fees you pay. The exact amount of your fee reduction will depend on your individual CCS entitlement.

We can discuss your situation and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses after the CCS is applied. Contact us directly to get a personalise fee quote!

Bright Blocks' Commitment to Supporting Families

We understand that navigating the subsidy system can be confusing. Our friendly staff are here to help!

We can provide information and guidance on the CCS application process, answer your questions about how subsidies work at our centre, and offer personalised fee quotes.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Important Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for general guidance only. It is essential to refer to the official Services Australia website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on childcare subsidies. Regulations and subsidy amounts are subject to change. Bright Blocks Early Learning Centre is not responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.

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