How to use the CCS calculator

The CCS Calculator is a step-by-step wizard. Enter your family details, childcare provider, income and activity hours across five short screens. Results show your CCS percentage, weekly gap fee and hours entitlement for 2026–27 — including separate estimates for each child if you have more than one in care.

What you need to have ready

• Combined family Adjusted Taxable Income — taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits, reportable employer super and total net investment losses
• Childcare provider name, care type (long day care, OSHC, family day care) and fee per day or session
• Number of days per week in care for each child and the child's age
• Approximate weekly hours of work, study or other approved activity for each parent

What the results show

• Your CCS percentage — determined by your combined family Adjusted Taxable Income
• Your activity test tier — 72 hours (3-Day Guarantee minimum) or 100 hours per fortnight
• Whether your provider is above or below the government hourly cap ($14.63 for centre-based day care)
• Estimated weekly gap fee — total out-of-pocket cost across all children
• Withholding buffer — the 5% Centrelink withholds to reduce end-of-year balancing risk

• How the Child Care Subsidy works — plain-English guide
• What counts as Adjusted Taxable Income for CCS
• 72 vs 100 hours — how the activity test works
• Frequently asked questions about CCS