Childcare Assistance
More help with Childcare and OSCAR Subsidies
Childcare Assistance has become less targeted over the last five years. The income thresholds have more than doubled since 2004, and the highest threshold (for a family with 3 children) is currently $99,320.
Childcare assistance should be targeted to those people who need it most. For this reason, the income thresholds for childcare assistance will be reduced to the 1 April 2008 levels and there will be no further regular adjustments in line with inflation.
Income Thresholds
If you apply for childcare assistance from 27 September 2010 your childcare assistance will be assessed using the new income thresholds, unless you:
- received childcare assistance at any time between 28 September 2009 up to, and including, 26 September 2010
If you received childcare assistance during this period and apply after 27 September 2010, your childcare assistance will be assessed using the previous income thresholds.
| Number of children | 27 September 2010 income thresholds |
|---|---|
| One | $72,800 |
| Two | $83,200 |
| Three or more | $93,600 |
| Number of children | Prior to 27 September 2010 income thresholds |
|---|---|
| One | $77,272 |
| Two | $88,296 |
| Three or more | $99,320 |
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
Below are the Childcare Subsidy income thresholds and maximum rates as at 27 September 2010. This table applies to clients who did not receive childcare assistance in the 12 months prior to 27 September 2010.
| 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 | $1,200 | $3.93 |
| 1 child | $1,300 | $2.74 |
| 1 child | $1,400 | $1.52 |
| 2 children | $1,380 | $3.93 |
| 2 children | $1,490 | $2.74 |
| 2 children | $1,600 | $1.52 |
| 3+ children | $1,540 | $3.93 |
| 3+ children | $1,670 | $2.74 |
| 3+ children | $1,800 | $1.52 |
These rates are for the Childcare and OSCAR Subsidies only. They do not include 20 Hours ECE.
Below are the Childcare Subsidy income thresholds and maximum rates that apply to clients who did receive childcare assistance in the 12 months prior to 27 September and qualify for grandparented thresholds.
| 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 | $3.91 |
| 1 child | $1,380 | $2.72 |
| 1 child | $1,486 | $1.51 |
| 2 children | $1,465 | $3.91 |
| 2 children | $1,581 | $2.72 |
| 2 children | $1,698 | $1.51 |
| 3+ children | $1,634 | $3.91 |
| 3+ children | $1,772 | $2.72 |
| 3+ children | $1,910 | $1.51 |
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.
