What is the Child Care Benefit?

Child Care Benefit (CCB) is a payment from the Australian Government that helps you with the cost of child care. You can choose to receive CCB as an annual lump sum payment or as reduced child care fees throughout the year.

The Child Care Benefit is income tested and is usually paid directly to approved Child Care Services to reduce the fees that eligible families pay. You can apply for the Child Care Benefit online or in person through Centrelink. To apply online, visit the Department of Human Services website.

To be eligible for Child Care Benefit:

  • you or your partner must meet the residency requirements
  • you must use approved or registered child care
  • your child must be immunised, on an immunisation catch up schedule or be exempt from the immunisation requirements
  • you must be the person who is responsible for paying the child care fees for your child

Factors that car affect the amount of Child Care Benefit you receive include:

  • your income
  • the type of care you use (approved or registered)
  • the amount of care you use
  • the reason you are using care
  • the number of children you have in care

Factors that can affect your ability to continue to claim Child Care Benefit include:

  • your child starting school
  • one of your children no longer using care
  • changes in your household income
  • you or your partner no longer meeting the Work, Training, Study test
  • participation in work, training or study related commitments
  • if you enter into a salary sacrifice arrangement with your employer in which some or all of your child care fees are paid for you