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Childcare & school

See your childcare costs and each child’s kindy and school dates.

We work out childcare after the subsidy and your state’s kindy funding, on your income and roster. We date the year each child starts free kindy and school.

  • Subsidy and kindy funding, by state
  • Dated to each child
  • Worked out on your roster

Childcare, after the subsidy and kindy funding

Fill in your details above to see your result.

Estimates from published rates, over 50 weeks of care. Your centre’s statement has the exact figures.

What it is

The Child Care Subsidy pays part of your childcare fee, depending on your family income, and each state funds some free or low-cost kindy in the year before school.

What to know

RequirementThe subsidy pays up to 90% of the feeThe Child Care Subsidy pays up to 90% for a family income to $88,520 in 2026–27, falling 1% for every $5,000 above that. It is paid against an hourly cap, so fees above the cap are yours.Source: Services Australia and the Department of Education
RequirementAt least 72 subsidised hours a fortnightSince 5 January 2026 every eligible family gets at least 72 subsidised hours a fortnight, and some families get up to 100.Source: Department of Education
Good to knowYounger siblings get moreA second or younger child aged 5 or under gets a higher rate, up to 95%.Source: Services Australia
Good to knowBefore the kindy year, only the subsidy helpsBelow the funded kindy year, the subsidy is the only help with the cost.Source: Services Australia and state education departments

What we do

  • Work out childcare after the subsidy, from your income and roster

What we don’t

  • Choose a centre or school for you
  • Apply for payments in your name without you

Care for shift work

Care that fits a roster.

Long day care usually runs Monday to Friday. For nights, weekends and changing rosters there are other kinds of approved care. Every family eligible for the Child Care Subsidy gets at least 72 subsidised hours a fortnight.

CareWhat it is
In Home CareCare in your home for families who cannot use other approved care, including because of non-standard or variable work hours.
Family day careIn a registered educator’s home, in small groups, from birth to 12 years.
Before and after school careBefore and after school, and in the school holidays.
Long day careAt least 8 hours a day, usually Monday to Friday, from birth to school age.

In Home Care needs every adult in the household to work non-standard or variable hours when care is needed; a roster or an employer’s letter is the evidence. You apply through the In Home Care support agency in your state, and being eligible does not guarantee a place. The subsidy is capped at $41.31 an hour per family. Starting Blocks, the government’s free site, lists services with their fees, ratings and vacancies. Sources: Starting Blocks (ACECQA); Department of Education.

Dated to each child

When your child starts funded kindy and school.

Your child’s birth date sets the funded kindy year and the first school year. Both change what care costs.

Kindy and school

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    What to know

    Good to knowThe government pays 26 weeks of parental leaveFrom 1 July 2026 the government pays 26 weeks. Your agreement may add paid leave from your employer.Source: Services Australia