Additional Child Care Subsidy
Extra Help for Families Who Need It Most
Childcare can be a significant expense for families, and while the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reduces costs for most Australians, there are times when families need extra support. That’s where the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) comes in.
The Additional Child Care Subsidy is designed to make sure children can continue to access early learning even when their family’s circumstances are challenging — whether that’s due to financial hardship, a sudden life change, child safety concerns, or when a grandparent steps in as the primary carer. In some cases, the Additional Child Care Subsidy can cover up to 100% of childcare fees and provide more subsidised hours than standard CCS.
It’s one of the most powerful forms of childcare support available in Australia — but it’s also one of the least understood. This guide explains exactly what ACCS is, who’s eligible, how it works, and how to apply.
What Is the Additional Child Care Subsidy?
The Additional Child Care Subsidy is a targeted top-up payment that works alongside your regular CCS. It’s designed to remove financial barriers to childcare and early education when families are experiencing exceptional circumstances.
Like CCS, ACCS is paid directly to your childcare provider, reducing your out-of-pocket fees. However, unlike CCS — which is calculated based on income, activity, and hourly rate caps — ACCS is based on specific eligibility categories and can:
- Cover up to 100% of the hourly rate cap
- Provide more subsidised hours per fortnight
- Offer temporary or ongoing support, depending on the situation
Think of it as a “safety net” that ensures children remain in care, learning, and supported when life gets difficult.
Tip: You must already be approved for the standard Child Care Subsidy to receive ACCS.
Types of Additional Child Care Subsidy
There are four main types of ACCS, each designed for a different situation.
Additional Child Care Subsidy (Child Wellbeing)
This support is designed to ensure that children at risk of abuse, neglect, or harm can continue attending childcare, even if their family is unable to pay.
Who it’s for:
- Children identified as being at risk by a childcare service or relevant agency
- Families working with child protection, early intervention, or support services
What it covers:
- Up to 100% of the hourly rate cap
- Up to 100 hours per fortnight of subsidised care
How it works:
Applications are often initiated by the childcare provider, usually in consultation with support services. Care can sometimes begin provisionally before final approval to ensure there’s no interruption to the child’s routine.
Example: A childcare service identifies that a child is experiencing neglect at home. They apply for ACCS (Child Wellbeing), ensuring the child continues attending care while support services step in.
Additional Child Care Subsidy (Grandparent)
This subsidy supports grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren, whether through formal arrangements or informal care.
Who it’s for:
- Grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren
- Includes those with informal care arrangements, provided the care is ongoing and daily
What it covers:
- Up to 100% of the hourly rate cap
- In some cases, additional subsidised hours
How it works:
You’ll need to provide evidence that you are the primary carer, such as legal documentation or a statutory declaration.
Example: A retired grandmother caring for her two grandchildren full-time receives ACCS (Grandparent), covering the full cost of childcare and enabling consistent early learning.
Additional Child Care Subsidy (Temporary Financial Hardship)
Life can change quickly. This payment offers short-term support to families who experience a sudden drop in income or unexpected life event that impacts their ability to pay for care.
Who it’s for:
- Families who have lost a job, suffered illness, been affected by a natural disaster, or experienced another crisis
- Must already be receiving CCS
What it covers:
- Up to 100% of the hourly rate cap
- Usually for up to 13 weeks
How it works:
Families submit evidence of the change in circumstances — such as a termination letter, medical certificate, or disaster relief documentation.
Example: After losing their job unexpectedly, a parent applies for ACCS (Temporary Financial Hardship). They receive full fee coverage for three months while they look for new work.
Additional Child Care Subsidy (Transition to Work)
This subsidy supports families moving from income support into employment, study, or training, helping them maintain childcare access while adjusting to their new circumstances.
Who it’s for:
- Parents receiving income support who are starting a job, course, or training program
- Families re-entering the workforce after extended time away
What it covers:
- Higher subsidy rates during the transition period
- Usually available for up to 12 weeks
How it works:
Apply through your Centrelink account with evidence of your new job or training enrolment.
Example: A parent on Parenting Payment secures part-time work. ACCS (Transition to Work) provides additional childcare support while they settle into their new role.
Eligibility Criteria and Key Conditions
To qualify for Additional Child Care Subsidy, you must:
- Be approved for the standard Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
- Be using an approved childcare service
- Meet the specific eligibility requirements for one of the four ACCS categories
- Provide evidence or documentation to support your claim
Each category has slightly different requirements, so it’s important to review them carefully before applying. If you’re unsure, talk to your childcare provider — they can often help determine eligibility or assist with the application process.
How to Apply for Additional Child Care Subsidy
Applying for ACCS follows a similar process to CCS but may require additional steps or documentation. Here’s how it works:
- Confirm CCS eligibility – Make sure your standard subsidy is already active.
- Identify your ACCS category – Wellbeing, Grandparent, Temporary Financial Hardship, or Transition to Work.
- Collect documentation – This may include legal orders, agency reports, income evidence, or medical records.
- Submit your application – Through your myGov account.
- Work with your provider – Especially for Child Wellbeing cases, which are often initiated by services.
- Await assessment – Most applications take several weeks. In some cases, provisional support can start before final approval.
Tip: You can’t apply for ACCS directly unless you’re already receiving CCS. If you’re not yet approved for CCS, start with that application first.
Real-World Additional Child Care Subsidy Scenarios
- Child Wellbeing: A toddler identified as at risk of neglect continues attending childcare while their family receives support, ensuring consistent learning and safety.
- Grandparent Care: A full-time grandparent carer pays no childcare fees, allowing their grandchildren to stay in stable, high-quality care.
- Financial Hardship: A parent recovering from illness receives full subsidy for three months while getting back on their feet.
- Transition to Work: A single parent moving from income support into part-time work receives additional childcare support during their first 12 weeks.
Additional Child Care Subsidy – FAQs
Next Steps
- Estimate your potential support with the Child Care Subsidy Calculator.
- Revisit the full Child Care Subsidy Guide to understand eligibility and calculation rules.
- Speak with your childcare provider about whether you might qualify for ACCS — they’re often the best starting point for applications.