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From 5 January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test was replaced. CCS eligible families can get at least 72 hours of subsidised child care each fortnight.
You can get 100 hours of subsidised child care each fortnight if either of the following apply:
- you and your partner, if you have one, each do more than 48 hours of recognised participation every fortnight
- you have a valid exemption.
If you have a partner, we’ll look at both of your recognised participation. We’ll use the lower of your or your partner’s recognised participation to work out your hours of subsidised child care. The hours of subsidised child care you can access per fortnight apply to each child.
If you do more than one recognised participation type, the total hours will count towards your participation level.
This is how we’ll work out your hours of subsidised child care.
| Your circumstances | Hours of subsidised child care each fortnight |
|---|---|
| 48 hours or less of recognised participation each fortnight | 72 hours |
More than 48 hours of recognised participation each fortnight Valid exemptions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children | 100 hours |
If volunteering or looking for work is your only recognised participation type, we’ll count the first 16 hours towards your participation level.
Find out more about other circumstances that affect hours of subsidised child care.
Activity test for periods before 5 January 2026
The CCS activity test was replaced on 5 January 2026.
For periods before 5 January 2026, we base your activity level on the hours of recognised activities you do and the type of activity you’re doing. We use your activity level to work out how many hours of subsidised child care you can get each fortnight.
If you have a partner, we’ll look at both of your activity levels. We’ll use the lower of your or your partner’s activity level to work out your hours of subsidised child care. The hours of subsidised child care you can access per fortnight apply to each child.
If you do more than one recognised activity, the hours you spend doing each activity will count towards your activity level.
There are 4 activity levels.
| Activity level each fortnight | Hours of subsidised child care each fortnight |
|---|---|
| Less than 8 hours | 0 hours if you earn above $85,279, 24 hours if you earn $85,279 or below |
| More than 8 to 16 hours | 36 hours |
| More than 16 to 48 hours | 72 hours |
| More than 48 hours | 100 hours |
If volunteering or looking for work is your only recognised activity, we’ll count the first 16 hours towards your activity level.
Exemptions for the activity test for periods before 5 January 2026
The following exemptions apply for periods before 5 January 2026.
When your child attends early education
If your child attends an early education program, such as preschool, you may get at least 36 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight. You can get this if all of the following apply:
- you’re entitled to less than 36 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight
- you have a child in an early educational program, such as preschool or kindergarten
- it’s the year before your child starts primary school
- it’s a centre-based day care service - this is long day care and occasional care.
When you’re participating in Parent Pathways
You can get at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight if both apply:
- you’re a Parent Pathways participant
- you’re getting an eligible income support payment.
Find out more about Parent Pathways.
If you were participating in ParentsNext when it ceased on 31 October 2024, you’ll continue to get at least 36 hours of subsidised care until 11 May 2025.
When you get an income support payment or allowance
If you have mutual obligation requirements, you can access at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. You must also be getting one of the following payments:
If you’re getting Carer Allowance, you can access 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
Find out more about other circumstances that affect hours of subsidised child care.