News and Events January 5, 2026

Child Care Subsidy Changes 2026: 3 Day Guarantee Explained

From 5 January 2026, CCS-eligible families can access at least 72 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight under the new 3 Day Guarantee. Heres what it means.

Jessica Kingi

Child Care Subsidy Changes 2026: 3 Day Guarantee Explained

Article Written By:
Jessica Kingi
Marketing Executive

Former Early Childhood Educator and a mum to 2 beautiful and very active boys. Joining Kids Club 4 years ago, starting as one of our Senior Service Administrators, Jessica now supports all of our centres as the Marketing Executive of Kids Club Early Childhood Learning Centres.

From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government is changing the way Child Care Subsidy (CCS) hours work. The biggest update is the 3 Day Guarantee.

This guide explains whats changing, who it applies to and where to check official details.

The quick summary

If your family is eligible for CCS, you can get at least 72 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight (about 3 days per week).
For these first 72 hours, you don’t need to meet work or study requirements.
If you need more than 72 hours, the activity test may apply to the extra hours.
You will still pay a gap fee (based on your CCS percentage).

What is the 3 Day Guarantee?

The 3 Day Guarantee means CCS-eligible families can access 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.

This is designed to help:

Children access regulated early childhood education and care
Parents return to work, study or training

Who can get it?

If you are eligible for CCS, you can access the 3 Day Guarantee.

The government has stated families with a combined household income up to $530,000 can access the subsidy for the first 72 hours per fortnight without meeting activity requirements.

Can my family get 100 hours per fortnight?

In some situations, families can receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.

Examples include:

You and your partner each do more than 48 hours of recognised participation per fortnight (for example, work or study) or you have an exemption
Your family receives certain Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) payments (for example, child wellbeing, temporary financial hardship or grandparent payments)
You have exceptional circumstances

Do I need to do anything?

If you already receive CCS, you don’t need to do anything to get the 3 Day Guarantee. However, you still need to:

Meet CCS eligibility rules
Have an enrolment with an approved child care service
Pay any gap fee

Making the most of your CCS: choosing the right session length

Some providers offer different session lengths to help families stay within their subsidised hour allocation. At Kids Club, we’re happy to work with each family to help maximise their CCS entitlement.

Subsidised care allocated (per fortnight)	Enrolment pattern	Example session length to help fit within allocation
100 hours	5 days per week	10-hour sessions (to stay within 100 hours per fortnight)
72 hours	4 days per week	9-hour sessions (to stay within 72 hours per fortnight)

Different centres may offer 9-hour, 10-hour, and 11+ hour sessions depending on your needs and your CCS entitlement.

Quick FAQs

Will my CCS percentage change?

The 3 Day Guarantee is about access to subsidised hours. Your CCS percentage still depends on your family income and circumstances.

Do I still pay fees?

Yes. Most families still pay a gap fee (the amount left after CCS is applied).

Where can I check official details?

For the most accurate and up-to-date information:

Ready to explore care options for your family?

Choosing the right early learning centre is about more than hours, its about feeling confident your child is supported, safe and thriving.

Book a tour at Kids Club Early Childhood Learning Centres and we’ll:

Show you our learning environments
Answer your CCS and session questions
Help you choose an enrolment pattern that suits your family

View your closest centre and book a tour today on 1300 154 372!

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