Child care costs can be a significant financial burden for many families. Fortunately, Centrelink, an agency of Services Australia, offers various fee assistance programs to help families manage these expenses. This blog post aims to provide detailed information about the different benefits available, such as the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and other current fee assistance programs. Understanding these options can help you make informed decisions and ease the financial strain of child care.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is the primary form of fee assistance available to families in Australia. It helps cover the cost of child care for children aged 13 or younger who are not attending secondary school. The CCS is paid directly to your approved child care provider, reducing the fees you need to pay out-of-pocket.
1. Eligibility Criteria
•Residency: You and your child must meet residency requirements.
•Child Care Provider: The child care service must be approved by the Australian Government.
•Income: Your family’s combined income will determine the subsidy percentage you are eligible for.
•Activity Test: The amount of subsidy also depends on the amount of approved activity (such as work, training, or study) that you and your partner undertake.
2. How to Apply
•Lodge a Claim: You must lodge a claim with Centrelink through your MyGov account.
•Provide Information: Submit necessary details such as your family’s income estimate and activity details.
•Receive a CRN: Obtain a Customer Reference Number (CRN) for yourself and your child, which will be required by your child care provider.
3. Subsidy Calculation
•The CCS percentage is calculated based on your family’s income and the hourly rate cap set by the government for different types of child care.
•The number of hours of subsidized care you can receive is determined by your activity level.
Additional Fee Assistance Programs
Apart from the CCS, there are other fee assistance programs available to support families:
1. Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS)
•Eligibility: ACCS provides extra assistance to families in specific circumstances, such as those experiencing temporary financial hardship, grandparent carers, or families transitioning from income support to work.
•How to Apply: Eligibility for ACCS is assessed automatically if you qualify for CCS, but you may need to provide additional documentation depending on your situation.
2. Child Care Safety Net
•Purpose: The Child Care Safety Net aims to ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged children can access quality child care.
•Programs: It includes several programs such as the Inclusion Support Program and the Community Child Care Fund, which help services provide inclusive care and support for disadvantaged families.
3. Jobs, Education, and Training (JET) Child Care Fee Assistance
•Eligibility: This assistance is designed to help eligible parents cover the cost of child care while they undertake activities such as work, study, or training.
•Application Process: Parents must meet specific criteria related to their participation in approved activities and their child’s attendance at an approved child care service.
Steps to Access Fee Assistance
1. Visit the Centrelink Website
•Before enrolling your child in child care, visit the Centrelink website to understand the different benefits you might be eligible for.
2. Contact Centrelink
•Reach out to your nearest Centrelink office or call their support line to obtain your Customer Reference Number (CRN). This number is essential for enrolling your child in child care.
3. Submit a Claim
•Lodge your claim for the Child Care Subsidy and other applicable benefits through your MyGov account. Ensure you provide accurate information to avoid delays in processing your claim.
4. Stay Informed
•Regularly check the Services Australia ‘Growing Up’ website for updates on child care fee assistance programs and any changes to eligibility criteria or application processes.
Understanding the various fee assistance programs offered by Centrelink can significantly reduce the financial burden of child care. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can ensure that your child receives quality care while managing your family’s budget more effectively. At Kids World, we encourage all parents to explore these options and contact Centrelink to get started.
For more information, please visit the Services Australia ‘Growing Up’ Website.
Kids World is registered federally (via ACECQA) as well as by the Department of Education in the States of Victoria & South Australia. Our Long Day Care Services are eligible for the fee assistance programs offered by Centrelink.
