From 10 July 2023, there are changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test for families with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children.
A family’s activity level affects the amount of CCS they can get.
The changes mean families can get at least 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child in their care. This is regardless of their family’s circumstances.
Families should tell Services Australia that they have an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child in their care if they would like to get at least 36 hours of subsidised care.
Families can call Services Australia on the Centrelink families line to update their child’s CCS details. It is voluntary to identify a child as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
Families may get more than 36 hours of CCS per fortnight based on their circumstances and the amount of recognised activity they do; this will not change.
A family’s CCS rate will continue to be based on their income. Families must still pay the gap fee.
This measure will directly support Closing the Gap target 4, designed to improve early childhood outcomes for First Nations children.
Having access to at least 36 hours of early childhood education and care:
- helps children become school-ready
- improves learning outcomes
- improves development outcomes.
Find out more at the Child Care Subsidy website.