Childcare Subsidy
The 2026 3-Day Guarantee.
A major change to the Child Care Subsidy that means more subsidised care for more families.
From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government's 3-Day Guarantee means CCS-eligible families can access a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) of subsidised early childhood education and care per fortnight.
Check your eligibility on Services AustraliaWhat's changing
More guaranteed hours.
The change raises the minimum guaranteed subsidised hours. Some families may qualify for more — for example, those caring for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child, with higher recognised activity, approved exemptions, or through Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS).
What families need to know
The essentials.
- No need to reapply if you already receive CCS.
- A gap fee may still apply.
- Standard CCS eligibility still applies.
Shared care & First Nations families
Additional supports exist to ensure equitable access — including for families in shared care arrangements and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We're happy to help you understand what applies to your family.
Please verify before relying on these figures. The dates, hours and conditions above reflect the publicly announced policy. They are regulatory and date-sensitive — confirm every detail against the official Services Australia / Department of Education source before acting.
Secure your child's place
Places at Discovery Nest are limited and filling ahead of opening. Join the waitlist — it takes two minutes, and we'll keep you close until a spot opens in your child's age group.