CCS Calculator
Our fees include all meals (morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea) and are currently set at $145 per day.
Please use the calculator below to estimate your out of pocket expenses.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator – Estimate Your Fees in Minutes
Understanding how much childcare will cost shouldn’t be confusing. Our Child Care Subsidy (CCS) calculator is designed to give families a quick, accurate estimate of their out-of-pocket childcare fees based on their individual circumstances.
In just a few simple steps, you can see how much support your family may receive and what you’re likely to pay each day.
What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
The Child Care Subsidy is financial support from the Australian Government that helps reduce the cost of approved childcare for eligible families.
Instead of paying the full daily fee, the government pays a percentage directly to your childcare provider, lowering your out-of-pocket costs (often called the “gap fee”).
Depending on your circumstances, families can receive up to 90% of childcare fees subsidised.
How Our CCS Calculator Works
Our calculator gives you an estimate based on the key factors used by Services Australia:
- Family income
- Activity level (work, study, volunteering)
- Number of children in care
- Childcare service type and daily fees
Simply enter your details and instantly see:
- Your estimated CCS percentage
- Your daily childcare cost
- Your weekly or fortnightly out-of-pocket fees
💡 Most calculators take less than 2 minutes to complete and provide a helpful estimate for budgeting.
What Affects Your CCS Percentage?
Your subsidy amount isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s calculated based on several key factors:
1. Your Family Income
Lower-income families receive a higher subsidy, while higher incomes receive less.
- Up to ~$85,000 = up to 90% subsidy
- Above this = gradually reduces
- ~$535,000+ = no subsidy
2. Your Activity Level
The number of hours you work, study or volunteer determines how many subsidised hours you can access each fortnight.
3. Number of Children in Care
Families with multiple children under 5 may receive a higher subsidy for younger children, helping reduce overall costs.
4. Childcare Fees & Hourly Rate Caps
The subsidy applies to either:
- Your centre’s hourly rate, OR
- The government’s hourly cap (whichever is lower)
Example: How Much Could You Pay?
While every family is different, here’s a simple example:
- Family income: $90,000
- CCS percentage: ~85%
- Daily fee: $150
👉 Estimated out-of-pocket cost: around $22–$30 per day
Your actual result will depend on your individual situation — which is why using the calculator is so valuable.
Why Use a CCS Calculator Before Enrolling?
Using a CCS calculator helps you:
✔ Budget with confidence
✔ Compare childcare options
✔ Understand your true out-of-pocket cost
✔ Avoid financial surprises
✔ Plan your return to work or study
It also gives you a clearer picture of affordability before committing to a childcare centre.
CCS Changes Families Should Know (2025–2026)
Recent updates to the Child Care Subsidy mean:
- More families are eligible for higher subsidy rates
- Increased affordability for second and subsequent children
- Government support continues to adjust with cost-of-living changes
This makes childcare more accessible for families across Perth and surrounding suburbs.
Important: This Calculator is an Estimate Only
While our calculator is highly accurate, it’s important to know:
- Final CCS amounts are determined by Services Australia
- Your subsidy may change if your income or activity level changes
- Payments are balanced at the end of each financial year
👉 Always keep your details up to date in your MyGov account to avoid overpayments or adjustments.
Ready to See Your Childcare Costs?
Use our CCS calculator above to get your personalised estimate in minutes.
If you’d like help understanding your results or planning your childcare journey, our team at Little Learners is here to help.
👉 Contact us today or book a tour to see how we make high-quality early learning both accessible and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a CCS calculator?
A CCS calculator provides a reliable estimate based on current government guidelines, but final amounts are confirmed by Services Australia.
Do I need to apply separately for CCS?
Yes. You must apply through your MyGov account linked to Centrelink before your child starts care.
Can I use CCS at any childcare centre?
No — the centre must be an approved provider under the Child Care Subsidy system.
What if my income changes?
You should update your income estimate immediately to ensure your subsidy is accurate and avoid overpayments.
Is CCS paid to me or the childcare centre?
The subsidy is paid directly to your childcare provider, reducing your fees.
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