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Childcare Assistance

More help with Childcare and OSCAR Subsidies
See how much you might get
Childcare Subsidy and OSCAR rates
What are the maximum hours for a subsidy?

More help with Childcare and OSCAR Subsidies

The rates for Childcare Subsidy and OSCAR (Out of School Care and Recreation) Subsidy have regularly increased from October 2004 until April 2009. Income limits have also been raised, meaning families not previously entitled to a Childcare or OSCAR subsidy may now qualify for one. Both the income limits and subsidy rates listed below are current from 1 April 2009.

See how much you might get

You can calculate an estimate of the amount of Childcare Assistance you may be entitled to by using our calculator.

Go the calculator

Childcare Subsidy and OSCAR rates

If you have And your family’s weekly income before tax is less than The subsidy per child per hour is up to
1 child

$1,274

$3.63

1 child

$1,380

$2.52

1 child

$1,486

$1.40

2 children

$1,465

$3.63

2 children

$1,581

$2.52

2 children

$1,698

$1.40

3+ children

$1,634

$3.63

3+ children

$1,772

$2.52

3+ children

$1,910

$1.40

These rates are for the Childcare and OSCAR Subsidies only. They do not include 20 Hours ECE.

What are the maximum hours for a subsidy?

If you are in work or study, or if you have special circumstances that mean you need access to childcare, you can get:

Special circumstances might mean, for example, that you need to care for a sick partner, or that you need to attend regular medical treatment for yourself.

If you are not in work or study you can get a Childcare Subsidy for up to nine hours a week.

Other changes to early childhood education funding took affect on 1 April 2005.