Not three free days. Not a guaranteed childcare place.
What changed?
Since 5 January 2026, families eligible for Child Care Subsidy can access at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare each fortnight, regardless of how much recognised work or study they do. This is called the 3 Day Guarantee. Read the Department of Education explanation.
Why hours matter more than the name.
The guarantee is expressed as a fortnightly allocation of subsidised hours. Your booked session length affects how those hours cover your bookings. The hours you pay for may be different from the hours your child actually attends.
| Same pattern each week | Booked hours per fortnight |
|---|---|
| 3 sessions × 10 hours | 60 hours |
| 3 sessions × 12 hours | 72 hours |
| 4 sessions × 10 hours | 80 hours |
In the last example, 8 booked hours would exceed a 72-hour allocation. This simple comparison assumes all the child’s subsidised hours are available for these bookings. Ask your service about its actual session lengths and check your assessed hours. Services Australia explains session hours.
Will there still be a gap fee?
Usually, yes. Your family’s income affects the subsidy percentage, and the hourly fee cap can limit the amount subsidised. There is generally a difference between your fee and the subsidy paid to the service. The usual subsidy withholding can also affect your out-of-pocket amount.
The guarantee does not make childcare free and does not guarantee a place at a centre. Availability, enrolment and session options are separate conversations with your chosen service.
Try a standard CCS estimateCan some families receive 100 hours?
Yes. Some families have an assessed entitlement to 100 subsidised hours per fortnight. For the recognised-participation pathway, you and your partner, if you have one, must each have more than 48 hours of recognised participation per fortnight. Exemptions and other pathways may also apply.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can access 100 hours regardless of their family’s participation. Services Australia determines your entitlement; do not assume that selecting an option in a calculator establishes eligibility. Check the current participation and entitlement rules.
What should I do next?
- Already receiving CCS? The minimum 72 hours applies automatically. Check your current assessment and details.
- New to CCS? You still need to claim and meet the eligibility requirements. The guarantee does not replace the claims process.
- Planning care? Ask about the centre’s fee, session length, availability, inclusions and how subsidy appears on your statement.
- Circumstances changing? Keep Services Australia informed about your family income and other relevant changes.
General information only, based on the Department of Education’s 3 Day Guarantee guidance and Services Australia. For your own eligibility and payment amount, visit Services Australia. Rules and rates can change. This is not an individual benefits assessment.
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