From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government is changing how the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test works. All CCS eligible families will be able to access what is known as the 3 Day Guarantee.
In simple terms, this means that if your family is eligible for CCS, you will be able to receive at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each child, which the Government describes as equivalent to three days a week, depending on your service’s session length.
At St Nicholas, we welcome changes that support children to access high-quality early education, and we are here to help you understand what this means for your family.
What is the 3 Day Guarantee?
The 3 Day Guarantee is a change to the CCS rules that replaces the current activity test. From 5 January 2026:
- All CCS eligible families can get at least 72 hours of subsidised early education and care per fortnight for each child.
- This is designed to give families clearer and more consistent access to subsidised care, regardless of how many hours of recognised activity (work, study, volunteering and so on) they undertake.
Until 5 January 2026, the existing CCS activity test will continue to apply.
How many hours of subsidised care can my family receive?
From 5 January 2026, the hours of subsidised care you can receive each fortnight for each child will be:
- At least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for all CCS eligible families.
- Up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each child if your family:
- is caring for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child
- has more than 48 hours of recognised participation each fortnight
- has an approved exemption or is experiencing exceptional circumstances
- receives Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) child wellbeing, temporary financial hardship or grandparent payments.
Families who care for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child can receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for that child, regardless of their recognised participation hours, if they choose to tell Services Australia.
What stays the same?
While the hours are changing, some key parts of CCS remain the same:
- You must still meet CCS eligibility and entitlement criteria.
- Families who already receive CCS do not need to do anything to receive the new minimum hours.
- Families must still pay a gap fee, except in specific circumstances set out by the Government.
- The 3 Day Guarantee provides subsidised hours, but it does not guarantee a place with your preferred early education provider. You will still need to secure an enrolment and confirm days directly with your chosen St Nicholas centre.
What does the 3 Day Guarantee mean for St Nicholas families?
For families already enrolled at St Nicholas, the 3 Day Guarantee may:
- Make it easier to add or adjust days of attendance, knowing you have access to at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each child.
- Provide greater stability and certainty around your CCS subsidy from fortnight to fortnight.
- Support children to spend more consistent time in early education, which helps to build relationships, routines and learning outcomes.
Our team can help you understand:
- how these changes may affect your out-of-pocket (gap) fees
- whether it could be helpful to review your current enrolment pattern
- any questions you have about scheduling and session options at your local St Nicholas service.
What should families do now?
Here are some practical steps you can take to prepare:
- Check your CCS status – If you already receive CCS, you do not need to re-apply. The 3 Day Guarantee will apply automatically from 5 January 2026. If you are not currently receiving CCS but think you may be eligible, you can check and lodge a claim through Services Australia.
- Review your child’s enrolment – Consider whether you would like to make any changes to your child’s days in early education from 2026 to make the most of the new minimum hours.
- Update details for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children – Families who care for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child can receive up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for that child, no matter their hours of recognised participation, if they choose to tell Services Australia.
- Talk with your local St Nicholas service – Our Service Leaders are available to discuss how the 3 Day Guarantee works in practice, including waitlists, session structures and fee estimates.
Where can I find more information about the 3 Day Guarantee?
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, families can visit:
- The Department of Education 3 Day Guarantee information for providers.
- The Services Australia website to:
- learn more about CCS
- find out more about the changes
- lodge a CCS claim.
We are here to help
At St Nicholas, our focus is on creating safe, engaging early education environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
If you would like to discuss how the 3 Day Guarantee and CCS changes may support your family, please contact your local St Nicholas service. Our team is happy to talk through your options and help you plan for 2026 and beyond.
