Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) fees explained: How CCS can reduce your out-of-pocket costs
- Community First Step
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Finding affordable Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is a priority for many families. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps reduce the cost of Before & After School Care and Vacation Care, making it more accessible for eligible families.
In this guide, we’ll explain how CCS works for OSHC, how much you could save, and what other financial support is available.
Does the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) cover Before & After School Care and Vacation Care services?
Yes! If your child attends Before & After School Care or Vacation Care, your family may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to help lower your fees.
CCS applies to OSHC services for primary school-aged children, helping families access quality care at a reduced cost. The amount your family receives depends on your income, your activity level (work, study, volunteering, etc.), and the hourly cap set by the government.
Am I eligible for CCS?
To receive CCS for OSHC, your family must meet these key criteria:
Your child must be enrolled in an approved OSHC service
Your family must meet income and activity test requirements
Your child must meet immunisation requirements
You must be the person responsible for paying OSHC fees
How much CCS can I get?
The amount of CCS you receive depends on three factors:
Your combined family income: Determines the percentage of OSHC fees covered by CCS.
Your approved activity level: The number of hours you work, study, volunteer, or look for work affects the number of subsidised hours.
The hourly rate cap: The government sets a maximum hourly amount it will subsidise.
How much will Outside School Hours Care cost me after CCS?
Let’s look at three different families with varying household incomes and see how much Before School Care, After School Care, and Vacation Care would cost them after the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is applied.
Scenario 1: Family with a Household Income of $50,000
CCS Percentage: 90%
Before School Care: $2.30 per session (was $23)
After School Care: $3.10 per session (was $31)
Vacation Care: $7.80 per session (was $78)
This family receives the maximum subsidy rate of 90%, making OSHC significantly more affordable.
Scenario 2: Family with a Household Income of $90,000
CCS Percentage: 88%
Before School Care: $2.76 per session (was $23)
After School Care: $3.72 per session (was $31)
Vacation Care: $9.36 per session (was $78)
Scenario 3: Family with a Household Income of $110,000
CCS Percentage: 84.66%
Before School Care: $3.53 per session (was $23)
After School Care: $4.76 per session (was $31)
Vacation Care: $11.97 per session (was $78)
Please note, these are estimated costs and may vary based on individual circumstances and the exact fees charged by your chosen service. Use our CCS Calculator to check how much CCS you can get! You can also visit Services Australia to check your eligibility for CCS.
Estimate my subsidy percentage and out-of-pocket costs
What other support can I get to help with OSHC fees?
In addition to CCS, some families may qualify for extra financial assistance. The Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) provides extra support for families in hardship, those transitioning from income support, and grandparents caring for grandchildren.
If you’re unsure what your family may be eligible for, visit Services Australia for more information.
How do I apply for CCS?
Applying for CCS is simple. Follow these steps to get started:
Sign in to MyGov and link your account to Centrelink.
Submit a CCS claim with your child’s details and OSHC provider information.
Provide supporting documents as required.
Once approved, CCS is paid directly to your OSHC provider, reducing the amount you need to pay.
For a detailed step-by-step guide, visit the Services Australia website.
Can I get CCS information in my language?
CCS information is available in multiple languages through Services Australia.
Learn more in your language here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-translation
Find OSHC near me
Looking for Before & After School Care or Vacation Care near you?
This page was published on 20 March 2025. Any changes to the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) after this date may not be reflected here. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Services Australia website.
