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Childcare Subsidies

Quality early learning shouldn’t come down to cost. Here’s what’s available to help make Karratha Early Learning work for your family’s budget.
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Making Childcare Work for Your Family

The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the primary way eligible families reduce their out-of-pocket childcare costs. The subsidy is paid directly to Karratha Early Learning, so your fees are reduced before you pay.

How much you receive depends on three things:
  • Your combined family income: Families earning $85,279 or less per year are eligible for the maximum subsidy rate of 90%. The rate reduces gradually for higher incomes, tapering to zero at $535,279.
  • Your recognised activity: Hours spent working, studying, volunteering, or job searching count toward your subsidised hours of care.
  • The number of children you have in care: If you have more than one child aged 5 or under, younger children may attract a higher subsidy rate.
The subsidy is applied to either the fee we charge or the government’s hourly rate cap, whichever is lower.

*Please also check government websites for the most up to date information.

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What You’re Entitled To and How to Access It

The 3-Day Guarantee (from January 2026)

From 5 January 2026, all CCS-eligible families are guaranteed at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, which is three full days per week, regardless of activity hours. This is a significant change that removes a previous barrier for many families, particularly those with part-time or casual work arrangements.

Families caring for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children are entitled to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.

Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS)

Families experiencing financial hardship, safety concerns, or other exceptional circumstances may be eligible for additional support through the ACCS, which can cover up to 100% of childcare costs for a period of time.

How to apply:

  1. Create or log in to your myGov account.
  2. Link your account to Centrelink.
  3. Complete a CCS assessment. You’ll need proof of identity, income details, and your child’s immunisation records.
  4. Once approved, the subsidy is applied directly to your fees at Karratha Early Learning.

Use the Services Australia CCS estimator to get an idea of what you may be entitled to before applying.

*Please also check government websites for the most up to date information.

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We’re Here to Help You Navigate It

CCS can feel complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team is happy to walk you through what to expect, confirm our approved provider status, and help ensure your enrolment is set up correctly so your subsidy kicks in from day one.
If you’re unsure where to start, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Useful links:
  • Services Australia — CCS information and online claim: servicesaustralia.gov.au
  • CCS estimator tool: available through your myGov/Centrelink account

*Please also check government websites for the most up to date information.

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Your child's next chapter starts here.

Whether your little one is six weeks old or five years old, whether you’re brand new to Karratha or you’ve been here for years, there’s a place for your family at Karratha Early Learning.

Tour the centre, meet our team, and discover a happy childcare and early learning centre.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the Australian Government’s primary financial support program for families using approved early childhood education and care services. It is paid directly to your childcare provider, reducing the amount you pay out of pocket.
Eligibility depends on factors such as residency status, immunisation requirements, family income, and the recognised activity level of parents or guardians.
The amount varies depending on your family income, hours of recognised activity, and the childcare service fees charged.
Services Australia calculates your CCS percentage based on your estimated combined family Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI) for the financial year. The higher your family income, the lower your subsidy percentage. The subsidy is applied against the lower of your centre’s actual fee or the government’s hourly fee cap. At the end of the financial year, your actual income is reconciled with your estimate.
Yes. Families where both parents work, study, train, or meet recognised activity requirements may still be eligible for CCS.
Yes. Single parents can also receive CCS if they meet the eligibility and activity requirements set by Services Australia.