Childcare Assistance
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.
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:
- a Childcare Subsidy for up to 50 hours a week
- an OSCAR subsidy for up to 20 hours per week during term time, and up to 50 hours during school holidays.
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.
