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Child Care Subsidy (CCS) calculator

Estimate your out-of-pocket childcare fees after the Child Care Subsidy at Simba Education Sydney. Figures are indicative — your exact subsidy depends on your CCS assessment.

2 days345 days
$0$265k$530k+
Your estimated gap fee
$41
per day
Per week (3 days)$124
Per fortnight$248
Subsidy breakdown
Estimates only. Your actual subsidy depends on your CCS assessment with Services Australia.
From Jan 2026 — 3-Day Guarantee

All eligible families receive at least 3 subsidised days per week, regardless of work activity.

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For an accurate subsidy estimate, use the Starting Blocks CCS Calculator or contact Services Australia.

How the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) works in Sydney

How CCS reduces your fees

The Child Care Subsidy is an Australian Government payment that reduces the cost of childcare for eligible families. At Simba Education, the subsidy is deducted from your full daily fee at Brookvale, Macquarie Park or St Ives, and you pay only the remaining gap fee.

Your CCS percentage is set by three things — your combined family income, the number of hours of care your child can use each fortnight, and (from January 2026) the new 3-Day Guarantee. Families earning up to about $83,280 receive the maximum 90% subsidy; the rate tapers as income rises and reaches zero at roughly $530,000.

The hours of care you can subsidise per fortnight depend on your work, study or volunteer activity. From 1 January 2026, the activity test no longer applies to the first 72 hours per fortnight: every CCS-eligible family is guaranteed at least 3 subsidised days per week regardless of work activity. Families with higher activity hours continue to receive up to 100 subsidised hours.

The subsidy is capped at an hourly rate set by Services Australia ($15.19/hr for centre-based day care, effective from 1 July 2026). If your centre's effective hourly rate is below the cap, your subsidy covers the relevant percentage of your full fee; above the cap, the subsidy covers the relevant percentage of the cap, and the remainder forms your gap fee. The calculator above does the math for you using your selected centre's actual daily fee.

For a deeper look at what changes from January 2026, see our 3-Day Childcare Guarantee 2026 page, and visit any of our Sydney childcare centres to talk through enrolment and fees in person.

Worked examples — Sydney families

Indicative only. Use the calculator above for your specific centre, age group and days, and confirm with Services Australia for your assessment. The percentages approximate the CCS taper as of the 2025–26 financial year.

Family A — $90,000 combined income, 3 days/week

  • Combined family income: ~$90,000/yr → CCS rate roughly 88%.
  • Activity status: part-time (24–49 hrs/fortnight) → up to 72 subsidised hours/fortnight.
  • A preschool day at Brookvale ($157/day, 9 hrs of care) sits below the hourly-rate cap.
  • Estimated gap fee: about $19–$25/day after CCS — around $57–$75/week for 3 days.

CCS & fee calculator FAQs

Common questions from Sydney families about Child Care Subsidy, the 3-Day Guarantee, and gap fees at Simba Education.

How accurate is the calculator?
The calculator is indicative. It applies the published CCS taper, the hourly-rate cap and the subsidised-hours bands from Services Australia using your selected centre's real daily fee. Your final assessment can differ if your income changes, your activity hours change, or you receive Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS).
Does the 3-Day Guarantee change my subsidy from January 2026?
Yes — from 1 January 2026 the activity test no longer applies to the first 72 hours of care per fortnight. Every CCS-eligible family is guaranteed at least 3 subsidised days per week regardless of work or study. Families already receiving more than 72 subsidised hours keep their higher entitlement.
What if my income changes during the year?
CCS is reconciled annually after you lodge your tax return. If your estimate is too low, Services Australia withholds 5% as a buffer; if your final income is higher, you may owe the difference back. Update your income estimate in myGov whenever your circumstances change to keep the subsidy accurate.
What is the Child Care Subsidy hourly-rate cap?
For centre-based day care, the cap is $15.19 per hour, effective from 1 July 2026 (2026–27). The subsidy is paid against the lower of your centre's effective hourly rate or this cap. Most premium Sydney centres are at or above the cap; the cap rises annually with indexation.
Can I claim CCS at any Simba Education centre?
Yes. All Simba Education childcare centres are CCS-approved early learning services. The subsidy is paid directly to us by Services Australia and we pass the saving straight on to you in your weekly statement.
How do I claim the Child Care Subsidy for the first time?
Set up a myGov account, link it to Centrelink and complete the Child Care Subsidy claim. You will need a Customer Reference Number (CRN) for yourself and your child. Once approved, give us your CRNs and we will link your enrolment so the subsidy applies from your first day.
What is the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS)?
ACCS provides extra fee assistance for families experiencing temporary financial hardship, grandparents who are primary carers, families transitioning to work, and children at risk. Speak with our team or Services Australia to check whether you qualify.