Child Care Subsidy Gap Fee Calculator
We have created this calculator to help families calculate their out of pocket fees. To use our CCS gap fee calculator, you need to have already received the letter from Centrelink with your entitlements.
Please note that the results are just an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I not receiving the full Child Care Subsidy amount?
Parents are often surprised to find that they are not receiving the full percentage given by Centrelink. The main causes for the discrepancy are:
- CCS Hourly Rate Cap: The amount of Child Care Subsidy you receive is capped at $12.74 per hour (as of 1st July 2022, and this rate is adjusted yearly). If your Child Care Centre hourly rate is above the hourly rate cap and your CCS Entitlements is for example 50%, you will only receive 50% of $12.74 as subsidy. - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/type-child-care-you-use-can-affect-child-care-subsidy?context=41186#hourlyrate
- CCS Withholding: By default, 5% of your Child Care Subsidy is withheld to offset potential debts. This percentange can be changed twice a year online on Centrelink. At the end of each financial year, Services Australia will balance your payment using your actual adjusted taxable income. - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/your-income-can-affect-child-care-subsidy?context=41186#withholdingccs
Why is my Child Care Subsidy different every second week?
Your child care subsidy entitlements include a limited number of hours per fortnight (please see the table below). It often happens that a family exhausts their entitlements before the end of the second week and less subsidy is paid for that week.
| Activity level each fortnight | Hours of subsidised care each fortnight |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 hours | 0 hours if you earn above $72,466 24 hours if you earn $72,466 or below |
| More than 8 to 16 hours | 36 hours |
| More than 16 to 48 hours | 72 hours |
| More than 48 hours | 100 hours |