Overview
- All Child Care Subsidy–eligible families now receive a minimum 72 hours of subsidised early learning per fortnight regardless of parents’ work or study.
- The government estimates about 100,000 additional families qualify for the extra days under the new settings.
- Entitlements can increase to 100 hours a fortnight in defined circumstances, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children or sufficient recognised participation, with some families required to notify Services Australia.
- Standard CCS criteria still apply, including residency, liability for fees, child age and immunisation requirements, and at least a 14% share of care.
- Availability is not guaranteed and services may charge gap fees, with funding commitments of $430 million over four years plus a $1 billion building fund to expand places.