2 Jul 2019

Breaking down the affordability barrier

The Child Care Subsidy is designed to help parents access affordable childcare. However, understanding how the subsidy works can sometimes be confusing. At Lifelong Learning Centres we want to make it easy by answering the questions parents ask most.

Can I get the Child Care Subsidy?

The CCS makes childcare more affordable, so you can work, study and carry out other important day-to-day activities*. Our team can help make sure you make the most of your entitlement by offering flexible day sessions and keeping you updated on your available hours.

Most families are entitled to receive the CCS (and therefore discounted fees)*. Your child must also meet the immunisation requirements. Some families can also get extra support on top of the CCS through the Additional Child Care Subsidy

Am I able to claim the Child Care Subsidy at Lifelong Learning Centres?

Yes, if you are eligible to receive the Australian Child Care Subsidy, this will reduce the out of pocket cost of your child care fees at Lifelong Learning Centres across Australia.

We encourage all of our families to investigate their Child Care Subsidy options with Centrelink before enrolling their child(ren). To access Centrelink, you will need to create and use a MyGov account.

Our team works hard to help families maximise their Child Care Subsidy by offering flexible day sessions, and keep you updated on your available hours.

How do I get paid the Child Care Subsidy?

The CCS payment goes directly from the Australian Federal Government to your centre to reduce the fees you pay. This means you don’t have to pay full price for your fees and then wait for a refund; you get discounted fees upfront.  

You also don’t have to do any of the payments administration; your centre takes care of this for you.*

How do I manage my Child Care Subsidy payment?

You must register with Centrelink at www.mygov.gov.au, meet the rules, and keep your information up-to-date to qualify for the Child Care Subsidy.

Find out more here:

How much can I get with the Child Care Subsidy?

The amount of CCS you are eligible to receive will depend on your circumstances. There are three main criteria:

  • Your family’s income

  • Hours of ‘recognised’ activity you and your partner do

  • The “hourly rate cap” based on the type of approved childcare and your child’s age

You can calculate how much Child Care Subsidy you are eligible to receive through this link.

*You must meet Government criteria to be eligible for the CCS.

If you still have any further questions please reach out to one of our Family Support Consultants on 1800 CHILDCARE, and we will be glad to talk you through your options and give you a discounted fee quote that takes into account your estimated CCS entitlement.

3 Dec 2020

Questions to ask on your family centre tour

When touring childcare centres for the first time it can be overwhelming. 

As the saying goes, ‘first impressions’ count, but taking the time to ask deeper questions and really find out what your early education and childcare centre has to offer you and your child will always be time well spent. 

30 Nov 2020

Join us for our fun annual Summer Program

The year is coming to an end – but the fun and learning is not! Nationally, Lifelong Learning Centres will be launching their annual Summer Program in 148 centres. 
30 Oct 2020

Day for Daniel

Across Australia, we are recognising Day for Daniel as part of National Safe Work Month. Day for Daniel is Australia's largest day of action to help raise awareness of child safety, a cause that’s close to the hearts of all our Centre Managers and educators.