The 3 day Guarantee
From 5 January 2026, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test is being replaced. All CCS eligible families can get 3 days of subsidised child care per week. These changes are known as the 3 Day Guarantee.
What is guaranteed?
These changes mean all CCS eligible families are guaranteed at least 72 hours of subsidised care a fortnight, equivalent to three days a week. Families will still need to secure a place and may need to pay a gap fee.
Calculate your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) estimate using the online CCS Calculator below:
The 3 day Guarantee
Starting January 2026, more families can access three days of subsidised early learning without meeting the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity test. This "Three Day Guarantee" marks a major CCS update, increasing eligibility from one to three subsidised days per week. If you're enrolling your child next year, now is the time to review these changes and plan accordingly.
What is the 3 Day Guarantee?
The 3 Day Guarantee is here to help! It gives eligible families 72 hours of subsidised care every fortnight—so that’s like having three days a week for your child in long daycare. Right now, if you don’t meet the activity test, you get 24 hours per fortnight, but starting in January 2026, this will bump up to about one day each week. The best part? You can enjoy more affordable childcare hours without worrying about employment, study, or volunteering requirements set by the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Everyone gets a little extra support!
Eligibility for the three-day guarantee is determined by the following criteria:
- You do not meet the CCS activity test.
- You have a child under five years of age who is not yet attending school.
- You are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy.
- Your family income is less than $535,279 per year.
Eligibility for the three-day guarantee is determined by the following criteria:
- You do not meet the CCS activity test.
- You have a child under five years of age who is not yet attending school.
- You are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy.
- Your family income is less than $535,279 per year.
Why the 3 Day Guarantee Matters
Early learning goes beyond basic care, it's about laying crucial groundwork for future success. When children consistently participate in high-quality early learning programs, they become more confident, resilient, and ready for school.
More subsidised days offer:
- Consistent routines for your child
- Time to form friendships
- Opportunities for learning through play
- Greater flexibility for families
