Childcare is of the most critical and potentially debilitating costs that can affect families in Australia.

In the new financial year (commencing this month, July 2023), changes are coming to family payments that could greatly aid your particular situation/circumstances.

From 10 July 2023, if your family earns under $530,000 (combined income of two parents), you will get an increased Child Care Subsidy (CCS). The income limit is rising from the previous $356,756.

The CCS percentage you’re entitled to depend on your family’s income.

The income limit to get the maximum CCS is increasing. Families earning up to $80,000 will get an increased maximum CCS amount from 85% to 90%. If you earn over $80,000, you may get a subsidy starting from 90%. This will decrease by 1% for each $5,000 of your family’s income. You’ll either get more assistance or have no change to your entitlement.

If you have more than one child aged 5 or under, you can still get a higher rate for one or more of your children.

The low-income limit for Additional Child Care Subsidy Transition to Work will also increase to $80,000.

From 10 July 2023, there are changes to Child Care Subsidy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The changes mean they can get at least 36 hours of subsidy per fortnight, regardless of the amount of recognised activity they do.

If you are unsure about how this change might affect you, you may need to contact Services NSW directly for more information.