Great News for Families!
From 5 January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test will change. These updates — sometimes called the “3-Day Guarantee” — will make childcare more accessible for families. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Changing?
- All CCS-eligible families will now receive at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare every fortnight, even if you don’t meet the minimum activity requirements.
- Families can still access up to 100 hours of subsidised childcare per fortnight if:
- You (and your partner, if you have one) each complete more than 48 hours of recognised activity every two weeks; or
- You qualify for an exemption. - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will automatically receive the full 100 hours each fortnight.
What It Means for Care for Kindies Families
- Families who previously struggled to meet the activity test through work, study, or volunteering will now have a safety net, with 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight guaranteed.
- Parents who already meet the 48-hour activity requirement will continue to receive the full 100 hours of Child Care Subsidy, with no changes to their entitlement.
- Children who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander will be eligible for the full 100 hours of subsidised care without needing to meet activity test requirements.
What You’ll Still Want to Check
- You’ll still pay the gap fee — the difference between the CCS amount and Care for Kindies fees.
- Update your details with Centrelink to make sure you receive the correct subsidy.
- Check how public holidays and our Christmas closure interact with your subsidy and booked days.
What You Need to Do Now
To make sure everything goes smoothly when the changes kick in, here are some steps you can take:
- Log in to Centrelink and confirm your CCS details.
- Review your child’s booked days to see if they align with your hours.
- Speak to your Care for Kindies centre director if you need help working out what this means for your family.
Final Thoughts
We know any change can feel uncertain, but we’re committed to making the transition as easy as possible for all our families. Our priority is always ensuring your child feels safe, loved, and supported — and that your family has the information you need to make the best decisions.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to your centre director, or stop by at drop-off/pick-up. We’ll also share more information as we get closer to January 2026 so you can feel confident heading into the new year.
