Child Care Subsidy 3-Day Guarantee 2026: No Activity Test for First 3 Days
From January 2026, every CCS-eligible family gets 3 days of subsidised childcare per week — no activity test required. Here's how the 3-day guarantee works, who's eligible, and how to claim.
What is the 3-day childcare guarantee?
From January 5, 2026, every family eligible for Child Care Subsidy (CCS) automatically gets at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight — equivalent to 3 days per week — without needing to meet any activity test. Previously, families where neither parent worked, studied, or volunteered could receive as little as 0 subsidised hours. Stay-at-home parents, families between jobs, or parents dealing with health issues were often shut out of affordable childcare entirely. The 3-day guarantee changes that. It means: - **Every CCS-eligible child** gets at least 36 subsidised hours per week (72 per fortnight) - **No activity test** is required for these first 3 days - The activity test still applies for the **4th and 5th days** if you need more care - Your CCS percentage (based on family income) still determines how much of the fee is covered
Who is eligible for the 3-day guarantee?
You're eligible if you meet the basic CCS requirements: 1. **Your child** is 13 or under and not yet in secondary school 2. **You** (or your partner) are Australian residents 3. **Your child** meets immunisation requirements 4. **You** use an approved childcare service (long day care, family day care, outside school hours care, or in-home care) That's it. You do NOT need to be working, studying, volunteering, or looking for work to get the first 3 days. The activity test has been completely removed for the first 72 hours per fortnight. This is a game-changer for: - Stay-at-home parents who want socialisation for their child - Families where a parent has a disability or chronic illness - Parents between jobs or transitioning careers - Families in regional areas with limited work opportunities - Parents caring for other family members **Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children** automatically get **100 hours per fortnight** (about 5 days/week), regardless of activity level. You'll need to tell Services Australia via your Centrelink online account to access this higher entitlement.
How the activity test works for days 4 and 5
If you need more than 3 days of childcare per week, the activity test still applies for the additional hours: **Activity hours per fortnight → Extra subsidised hours:** - 8-16 hours activity: 72 hours (no extra beyond guarantee) - 16-48 hours activity: 100 hours - More than 48 hours activity: No limit 'Recognised activities' include: - Paid work (including self-employment) - Study or training - Volunteering - Looking for work (registered with an employment service) - Unpaid work in a family business So if both parents work full-time, you can access unlimited subsidised hours. If one parent doesn't work, you still get 3 days automatically, and the working parent's hours determine if you get more. For most families, the 3-day guarantee covers their needs. The average Australian family uses 2.7 days of childcare per week.
How much will you save? CCS rates by income
The 3-day guarantee gives you the HOURS — but your CCS percentage determines how much of the fee the government covers. Your percentage is based on combined family income: **Family income → CCS percentage:** - Up to $85,279: 90% subsidy - $85,279 - $535,279: Gradually reduces (minus 1% per $5,000 above $85,279) - Above $535,279: 0% (no subsidy) **Higher rate for second+ children aged 5 or under:** Up to 95% subsidy for families earning under $143,273. **Example savings (based on $120/day long day care):** - Family earning $80,000/year: 90% CCS = you pay $12/day × 3 days = $36/week ($1,872/year) - Family earning $120,000/year: ~83% CCS = you pay $20.40/day × 3 days = $61.20/week ($3,182/year) - Family earning $180,000/year: ~71% CCS = you pay $34.80/day × 3 days = $104.40/week ($5,429/year) Without CCS, 3 days at $120/day = $360/week ($18,720/year). Even at moderate incomes, the savings are substantial. The annual subsidy cap was removed in 2023, so there's no limit on how much CCS you can receive.
How to claim or update your CCS
If you're already receiving CCS, you don't need to do anything — the 3-day guarantee is automatic. Your subsidised hours will be at least 72 per fortnight from your next CCS period. If you're NOT currently receiving CCS and want to start: 1. **Create a myGov account** and link it to Centrelink 2. **Make a claim for CCS** through your Centrelink online account 3. **Provide your child's details** including immunisation status 4. **Nominate your childcare service** — they'll confirm your child's enrolment 5. **Provide family income estimate** for the current financial year Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks. CCS is paid directly to your childcare provider, reducing your out-of-pocket fee. **Important:** If you previously had a CCS claim rejected because you didn't meet the activity test, you should re-apply now — the 3-day guarantee means you'll likely be approved.
Common questions about the 3-day guarantee
**Can I split the 3 days across two services?** Yes. The 72 hours per fortnight applies across all approved services your child attends. **Does it apply to outside school hours care (OSHC)?** Yes, but OSHC sessions are shorter, so 72 hours goes further — potentially covering 5 days of before/after school care. **What about vacation care?** Yes. Vacation care sessions are typically longer (10-12 hours), so 72 hours would cover about 3 days per week of vacation care. **Can I use it for occasional care?** Only if the occasional care service is CCS-approved. Many occasional care services operate outside the CCS system. **Is the 3-day guarantee per child or per family?** Per child. If you have two children in childcare, each gets 72 subsidised hours per fortnight. **Will this affect my other Centrelink payments?** No. CCS is a separate payment and doesn't count as income for other payment calculations.
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General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.
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