Child Care Subsidy for more families

Starting 5 January 2026, all Queensland families will be eligible for at least 3 days of subsidised childcare each week. The activity test is no longer required for the first 36 hours a week.

What this means for your family

Every child deserves the opportunity to access quality childcare – no matter what your family circumstances are.

From 5 January, if your family earns under $533,280, your child can attend childcare for at least 3 days a week subsided by the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). It doesn't matter if you work casually, study, are at home with your children or looking for work - your family will qualify for at least 3 days of subsidised childcare per week (72 hours a fortnight).

Families caring for First Nations children can get up to 100 hours of subsidised childcare each fortnight for their child.

Find your nearest centre Enrol Now

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Why this matters for families

Quality childcare helps children:

Build confidence and social skills
Successfully transition to school
Grow and learn through play
Develop a lifelong love of learning

Who will benefit from these changes?

The 3 Day Guarantee will provide subsidised care for a wide range of families, with benefits for:

Low-income families
Families with irregular work patterns
Families caring for First Nations children
Single-parent families
Stay-at-home parents or carers
Parents on parental leave

How much can you save?

Example: What the Child Care Subsidy could mean for your family

Priya and James have one child and a combined household income of $90,000. Priya works full-time (40 hours per week) and James works one day a week (8 hours). Their child attends a C&K childcare centre for three days a week (36 hours), with a daily fee of $146.60.

In 2025, their family is eligible for 18 hours of CCS per week, which means they currently pay $243.67 per week in out-of-pocket fees.

From 5 January, their subsidised hours increase to 36 hours per week. This significantly reduces their out-of-pocket fees to $63.88 per week.

That’s a saving of $179.79 each week — or more than $9,300 over the year — helping make quality early learning more affordable for their family.

Child Care Subsidy Calculator

3 Day Guarantee FAQs

Can I still get more than 3 days if I need it?

Absolutely. Families who engage in more than 48 hours of recognised participation a fortnight will still be eligible for up to 100 hours per fortnight (5 days per week) of subsidised care. The 3 Day Guarantee is the minimum, not the maximum.

When does this start and do I need to reapply?

The 3 Day Guarantee starts on the 5 January 2026. If you're already enrolled in a childcare centre and registered with Services Australia for CCS, you don't need to do anything. Your entitlement will automatically update. If you're new to childcare, start an enrolment application at your local C&K childcare and apply for the Child Care Subsidy via Services Australia.

I'm a stay-at-home parent. Am I eligible now?

Yes! This is one of the biggest changes. Previously, stay-at-home parents or carers could only access up to 24 hours per fortnight. From January 2026, every family earning under $533,280 automatically qualifies for 72 hours per fortnight (3 days per week), regardless of work or activity status.

What if I get a job or my work hours change during the year?

You must notify Services Australia when your circumstances change. Your subsidy rate and subsidised hours you are eligible for may change. If you start working more hours, you may qualify for up to 5 days of subsidised care. Update your details through myGov, and your entitlement will be recalculated. You're always guaranteed at least 3 days CCS.

Will I still receive Free Kindy at C&K?

Yes! Queensland's Free Kindy program is separate and continues as usual. If your child attends a kindergarten program at an approved service, you'll still receive up to 15 hours per week of free kindy. The 3 Day Guarantee is for childcare, which can be in addition to your free kindy hours.

Who will benefit?

The 3 Day Guarantee will provide subsidised care for a wide range of families, with benefits for low-income families, families with irregular work patters, families caring for First Nations children, single-parent families, stay-at-home parents and parents on parental leave.

How to enrol at C&K?

1. Find your local centre with our finder tool
2. Start an enrolment application - quick & free
3. Your child is added to the centre waitlist
4. Book a tour and visit your preferred centres
5. For childcare - organise your CCS through your MyGov app
6. Receive offer - complete forms & enrolment fee
7. Get ready to start learning through play!

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