From January 5, 2026, the Australian Government’s “3 Day Guarantee” ensures all Child Care Subsidy (CCS) eligible families receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (approx. 3 days/week), replacing the previous activity test. This covers children aged 0–5 in approved care, reducing out-of-pocket costs and boosting accessibility.

+4 Key Aspects of the 3-Day Guarantee (From 5 Jan 2026)

Eligibility: All CCS-eligible families are entitled to at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
Increased Hours: Some families, including those with over 48 hours of recognized activity or those with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, may qualify for up to 100 hours per fortnight.
What is Covered: The subsidy applies to approved childcare centers.
Costs: While the hours are subsidised, families will still generally pay a gap fee, which is the difference between the center’s fee and the CCS amount.
Automatic Access: If you already receive CCS, the change is designed to be automatic, with no need to reapply.
Services Australia
Services Australia
+5 Benefits and Context
No Activity Test: The new system removes the requirement for low-working-hour families to prove their activity levels, providing certainty and flexibility.
Purpose: The initiative aims to support early education access, boost school readiness, and lower costs for families, saving some families thousands of dollars annually.
Victoria Specific: In Victoria, this federal change works alongside Victorian Government Free Kinder programs, which offer further fee offsets for 3 and 4-year-olds.

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For more information, visit the Services Australia Child Care Subsidy page or the Department of Education’s 3-Day Guarantee page.