Fees & Child Care Subsidy
Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator
Quality early learning should feel within reach. Our Child Care Subsidy calculator gives you a quick estimate of the government support your family may be eligible for, and what your day-to-day fees at Daisy Cottage could look like.
Open now and enrolling during our renovation, our team is always happy to walk you through the numbers.
Estimate your subsidy
Work Out Your Out-of-Pocket Fees
Enter a few details about your family income and the days you’re planning, and the calculator will estimate your subsidy and daily gap fee.
This calculator provides an estimate only. Your actual subsidy is confirmed by Services Australia once your claim has been assessed.
Understanding your support
How Child Care Subsidy Works
What is Child Care Subsidy?
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is an Australian Government payment that helps families with the cost of approved child care. It’s paid directly to Daisy Cottage and taken off your fees, so you only pay the gap.
Your subsidy percentage is based on your combined family income, with families on lower incomes receiving up to 90% of the hourly rate cap.
Who can receive CCS?
- Your child is 13 or under and not yet at secondary school
- Your child meets immunisation requirements
- You or your partner meet residency requirements
- Your child attends an approved service like Daisy Cottage
The 3 Day Guarantee
Since January 2026, every CCS-eligible family can access at least 72 hours of subsidised care each fortnight, around three days a week, with no activity test. Families with higher activity levels, and families with First Nations children, can access up to 100 hours per fortnight.
Queensland Free Kindy
In Queensland, children can access 15 hours of free kindy each week, for 40 weeks of the year before Prep, through an approved kindergarten program. Children are eligible when they turn 4 by 30 June in the year they attend.
Any extra hours of care outside the free kindy hours can still be supported by your Child Care Subsidy.
Getting set up
Applying for CCS in Four Simple Steps
- 1
Link to Centrelink
Sign in to myGov and link your account to Centrelink.
- 2
Submit your claim
Lodge your Child Care Subsidy claim online with an estimate of your family income.
- 3
Enrol with us
Complete your enrolment at Daisy Cottage and share your CRN and your child’s CRN with our team.
- 4
Confirm and relax
Confirm your enrolment in myGov and your subsidy will be applied straight to your fees.
Questions families ask
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Child Care Subsidy?
Apply through your myGov account linked to Centrelink. Once your claim is assessed, Services Australia will let you know your subsidy percentage and how many hours of subsidised care you can access. When your child starts with us, you’ll confirm your enrolment in myGov so the subsidy can be applied to your fees.
Who is eligible for Child Care Subsidy?
Generally, your child needs to be 13 or under and not attending secondary school, meet immunisation requirements, and be attending approved care such as Daisy Cottage. You, or your partner, also need to meet residency requirements and be responsible for paying the child care fees.
How is my subsidy percentage worked out?
Your CCS percentage is based on your combined family income. Families on lower incomes receive a higher percentage, up to 90% of the hourly rate cap. Families with more than one child aged 5 or under in care may also be eligible for a higher percentage for their younger children.
What is the 3 Day Guarantee?
From January 2026, the activity test was replaced with the 3 Day Guarantee. Every CCS-eligible family can now access at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, which is around three days a week, regardless of work, study or volunteering hours. Families with higher activity levels, and families with First Nations children, can access up to 100 hours per fortnight.
How is the subsidy applied to my fees?
CCS is paid directly to Daisy Cottage and shown as a reduction on your statement. You simply pay the gap between the subsidy and our daily fee, so there’s no need to wait for a reimbursement.
What if my circumstances change?
If your income, family situation or care needs change, update your details in myGov as soon as you can. Keeping your estimate up to date helps make sure you receive the right amount throughout the year.
Do I need to confirm my income each year?
Yes. After the end of each financial year, Services Australia balances your CCS against your actual family income. Lodging your tax return, or telling Centrelink you don’t need to lodge one, keeps your subsidy flowing smoothly.
Can Daisy Cottage help me with CCS?
Absolutely. Our team is always happy to talk you through how CCS works, help you understand your estimate and guide you through the enrolment steps. Give us a call or pop in during a tour.