CCS Changes 2026: What Families in Balga Need to Know About Child Care Costs

CCS Changes 2026: What Families in Balga Need to Know About Child Care Costs

It’s no secret that raising a family is expensive – especially when it comes to childcare.

For parents in Balga and surrounding suburbs like Westminster, Girrawheen, Mirrabooka, and Koondoola, every dollar counts. The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) offers vital relief by covering a portion of your childcare fees, easing the financial pressure on families.

Now, a new CCS update starting 5 January 2026 will provide even more support, ensuring you can access at least three days of subsidised care per week for your little one.

What Is the New 3-Day CCS Guarantee?

Big changes are on the way for early 2026. From 5 January 2026, all CCS-eligible families will be able to get at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight (roughly 3 days per week). Crucially, this will no longer depend on your “activity test” – meaning it doesn’t matter how much you or your partner work, study, or volunteer.

Under the new “3-Day Guarantee”, every family meeting the basic CCS eligibility can count on three subsidised days of care each week. (If you do work or study enough hours, you can still access up to 100 hours a fortnight of subsidy as before.)

This change is music to the ears for families who previously missed out on sufficient subsidised hours due to limited work or study.

This means that children get more consistent access to quality early education – giving them a strong start, and of course, it’s a welcome cost-of-living boost for parents.

Parents still pay a gap fee (out-of-pocket portion), but the government will now chip in for those first 3 days regardless of your activity level.

How Much Does Child Care Cost at Amara?

At Amara Early Learning Centre in Balga, our daily fee is $160 per day for the 2025/26 year. What you actually pay out-of-pocket will depend on your CCS percentage (which is based on your family’s income). Here’s an estimated breakdown of out-of-pocket costs after the subsidy:

• Family income ~$60,000 (≈90% CCS): Government pays about $144 of the $160 fee. You pay roughly $16 per day after subsidy.
• Family income ~$120,000 (≈65% CCS): Government covers about $104. You pay roughly $56 per day out of pocket.
• Family income ~$200,000 (≈20% CCS): Government contributes about $32. You pay roughly $128 per day in fees.

(These figures are approximate examples for illustration – actual amounts can vary depending on Centrelink’s income assessment and hourly rate caps.)

By using your CCS entitlement, you can see how much more affordable quality childcare becomes. The subsidy covers a percentage of the costs – taking the financial stress off of your family so you can focus on your work or other commitments, knowing your child is in good hands.

Ready to take the next step? We encourage you to book a tour at Amara Early Learning Centre. Let us show you how we can support your child’s early development and work with your family’s needs.

FAQs for Families

• How do I apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)? – You can apply for CCS through Centrelink (Services Australia). The easiest way is online via your MyGov account – simply link your Centrelink account if you haven’t already, then submit a CCS claim under the “Families” section. (You’ll need to provide details like your income, activity hours, and your child’s enrolment info.) If you need help, Centrelink can guide you through the process.
• What if my income or circumstances change? – It’s important to update Centrelink if your family income or work/study hours change during the year. Your CCS percentage is based on your estimated annual income, so if you get a pay rise, drop hours, or have any other change, let Centrelink know as soon as possible. You can update your details through myGov or the Centrelink app. This way your subsidy stays accurate – and you won’t risk being overpaid and having to repay money later.
• Does “3 days subsidised care” mean 3 free days of child care? – Not exactly. The 3-Day Guarantee means the government will subsidise up to three days of care per week for eligible families regardless of activity, but you will still pay a gap fee to the centre. In other words, CCS covers part of the fee (the percentage depends on your income) and you pay the rest. For example, as shown above, a family on $60K would pay about $16 of a $160 fee after a 90% subsidy. The subsidy greatly reduces your cost, but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.