CCS Explained

We understand that managing child care subsidies can be overwhelming for many families. At Little Blessings Early Learning Centre, our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible for you. Whether you're new to child care or have been using subsidies for some time, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and how it works at our centre.

What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a government initiative aimed at assisting families with the cost of child care. It replaces the previous Child Care Benefit (CCB) and Child Care Rebate (CCR), offering a single, means-tested subsidy. The amount you receive depends on factors like your family income, the activity test (e.g., work or study hours), and the type of approved child care service you use.

Getting Started with CCS

To help you navigate the CCS process, here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to get started:

1. Eligibility Check:

To qualify for CCS, you must meet the following requirements:

• Care for a child aged 13 or younger who isn’t attending secondary school.

• Use an approved child care service like Little Blessings ELC.

• Be responsible for paying the child care fees.

• Meet residency requirements.

2. Create a Centrelink Account:

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to set up a Centrelink online account via myGov. This will serve as your portal for managing your CCS claims.

3. Submit Your Claim:

Once your Centrelink account is set up, log in to myGov, link it to Centrelink, and submit your CCS claim. You'll need to provide details such as:

• Your family income

• Your employment or study status

• The type of child care service you're using.

What Parents Need to Know About CCS

At Little Blessings ELC, we’re here to make sure you’re fully informed. Here are some important details:

Activity Test:

The subsidised hours of child care you’re eligible for depend on the amount of recognised activity you do, such as:

• Work

• Study

• Training

• Volunteering

The more activity you do, the more subsidised care you can access.

Income Assessment:

The percentage of the subsidy you receive is based on your combined family income. Families earning less will receive a higher subsidy. For example:

• Families earning up to $83,280 (combined income) will receive 90% subsidy.

• Families earning more than $83,280 but less than $530,280 will receive a 90% subsidy, which decreases by 1% for every $5,000 earned over the limit.

Understanding the Cap:

If your family income is under $530,280, you're likely eligible for a subsidy, but the percentage may change depending on your earnings. For example:

• Families earning under $83,280 will receive the full 90% subsidy.

How We Manage CCS at Little Blessings ELC

At Little Blessings ELC, we handle the technical side of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) process to ensure you receive your subsidy without hassle. Here's how we support you:

Enrolment Assistance:

When you enrol your child, our team will assist you with any CCS-related paperwork and ensure that all necessary details are entered correctly into the system.

Regular Updates:

We provide regular updates to keep you informed about any changes or requirements related to your CCS claim. If you ever need assistance or clarification, we’ll be there to help.

Fee Deductions:

The CCS subsidy is directly applied to your child care fees, so you only need to pay the gap fee—the amount not covered by the subsidy.

Ongoing Support:

If you ever have any questions about CCS or your child’s care, our friendly team is here to offer assistance. We aim to make your child care journey as smooth as possible.

Use Our CCS Calculator

To make things even easier, we offer a Child Care Subsidy Calculator on our program OWNA. Let us know how we can help you calculate this by giving us a call or emailing at info@littleblessingselc.com

We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way

At Little Blessings Early Learning Centre, we’re committed to supporting you through the Child Care Subsidy process. Whether you're just starting out or need help managing your existing CCS claim, our team is here to assist you. If you need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly or visit our website for more details.

To get started, visit myGov or check out Services Australia for further details about CCS eligibility and claims.

Let Little Blessings ELC help you navigate the Child Care Subsidy process, ensuring your child receives the best start to their educational journey while keeping your child care costs manageable.