From 5 January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test is being replaced. All CCS eligible families can get 3 days of subsidised child care per week. These changes are known as the 3 Day Guarantee.

3 Day Guarantee

From 5 January 2026, all CCS eligible families can get at least 72 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight.

Families can get 100 hours of subsidised child care each fortnight for each child if they:

Families can find out more about how this applies to their specific circumstances on the Services Australia website. 

What’s changing

Minimum subsidised hours: All CCS-eligible families will be able to access at least 72 hours of subsidised early learning per fortnight  for each child, regardless of parents’ recognised activity (work, study, volunteering). 

First Nations families: Families caring for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child will be entitled to 100 subsidised hours per fortnight, regardless of activity level. 

What stays the same

Your subsidy percentage will still depend on family income and the hourly rate cap for your care type.

If you need more than 72 hours per fortnight, you can still receive up to 100 hours by meeting recognised activity requirements or relevant exemptions.

What this means for you at Bower Education

If your child currently attends fewer than three days, you may choose to increase attendance without losing CCS access (your out-of-pocket “gap” will still reflect your family’s income and our daily fee).

If your child already attends three or more days, your CCS will continue, and you may be assessed for up to 100 hours based on your recognised activity. 

Actions for families

Consider your booking pattern for Term 1 and let our team know if you wish to adjust days.

First Nations families: please speak with your Centre Director if you would like support confirming the 100-hour entitlement.

Need help?

You can also find more information here https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy