The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is returning on July 13, and some families could miss out on their full entitlements (or could be forced to pay full fees) if they don’t take action. We’ve put together the 5 things you must know to ensure you can maximise your CCS eligibility.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Australian Government introduced the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package to support early learning services and to provide workers with access to quality childcare during the pandemic. This relief package is scheduled to conclude at midnight 12 July 2020, and therefore will see the return of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) from 13 July 2020.
Families should be aware there are 5 things you must know about the Child Care Subsidy returning to ensure you can continue to receive CCS from July 13, and you receive the correct amount you’re entitled to…
1. You must confirm your income for 2018-19 (if you haven’t already)
When you receive CCS, you need to confirm your family’s income after the end of each financial year. There are time limits for how long you have to do this.
If you received CCS for 2018-19, you need to confirm your 2018-19 income by 31 March 2021 (Date extended, click here for more info)
If you don’t, your CCS or ACCS won’t restart and you will be liable to pay full fees.
This can be done by either;
- Lodging your tax return with the Australian Tax Office (ATO)
- Completing an ‘Advise non-lodgement of tax return’ with Centrelink if you don’t need to lodge a tax return. This can be done through the Express Plus Centrelink Mobile App.
2. You need to provide your 2020-21 family income estimate
Centrelink recently asked you to give them your family income estimate for next financial year. Make sure you’ve done this so they will pay the right CCS percentage. If you don’t, you may not receive the correct CCS subsidy percentage you’re eligible for.
View our How-To Guide on reporting your family income estimate.
3. You need to check your Activity Levels
Centrelink use your activity level to work out how many hours of CCS you can get a fortnight. Your activity hours should match the hours you’re currently working, studying or volunteering. This includes if you’re getting income from JobKeeper payment.
If you don’t, you may not receive the correct number of subsidised hours you’re eligible for (or miss out on the temporary relaxation of hours requirement).
View our How-To Guide on reporting your activity level test.
Activity level requirements have been temporarily relaxed between July 13 and October 4, 2020.
This means that families who have had their hours of activity reduced as a result of COVID-19, will be able to advise Centrelink they meet the requirements to access 100 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight, for up to 12 weeks.
4. Make sure your child’s immunisations are up to date
To get CCS your child must meet the immunisations requirements.
If they’re not up to date, your CCS or ACCS won’t restart again on 13 July 2020 and you will be liable to pay full fees.
5. Confirm your enrolment & bookings
CCS is only paid if your child’s enrolment details are current. If your child stopped going to child care, their enrolment may have ended. You’ll need to talk to your child care provider to confirm this.
For Sunkids families, we sent out an email titled ‘Return to CCS – Booking Confirmation.’ You’ll need to…
- Open the email from Sunkids titled ‘Return to CCS – Booking Confirmation’
- Select ‘Access Booking Form’ & enter your mobile number & unique access code,
- Confirm your details, session time & attendance days,
- Submit the Booking Form to confirm enrolment.
Need more information about Child Care Subsidy?
Sunkids have developed a Child Care Subsidy info hub which contains all you need to know about the Child Care Subsidy. Access it by clicking here.
You can also find further information about CCS by visiting education.gov.au or servicesaustralia.gov.au