Australian Government - MyChild.gov.auIn this section
Approved child care
What is approved child care?
Approved child care is child care that has been approved by the Australian Government for Child Care Benefit (CCB) purposes because it meets certain standards and requirements.
In the case of long day care, family day care and outside school hours care, services must also meet quality assurance standards.
Approved child care services can receive Child Care Benefit of behalf of families. You can choose to receive your Child Care Benefit payments as reduced child care fees or as a lump sum.
What types of approved child care can I choose from?
You can choose from the following types of approved child care:
- long day care
- family day care
- outside school hours care (before and after school and vacation)
- occasional care
- in home care.
Can I get Child Care Benefit if I use approved child care?
Families who satisfy eligibility requirements for Child Care Benefit may receive payments if they use approved care.
To be eligible for Child Care Benefit you need to meet these requirements:
- Eligibility
You or your partner must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident living in Australia or be exempt from the Government’s residency requirements
- Immunisation
Children under seven must meet the Government’s immunisation requirements or have an exemption.
- Responsibility for child care payments
You or your partner must be the person responsible for paying your child care costs. If your employer contributes to your child care through salary sacrificing or packaging, you should discuss with them who is responsible for the child care costs.
How many hours of approved care can I receive?
For approved care, all eligible families receive up to 24 hours of Child Care Benefit without meeting the work, training, study test. For up to 50 hours you will need to be working, training or studying for at least 15 hours per week (or 30 hours per fortnight) or have an exemption from this test.
The work, training, study test looks at whether you and your partner need child care for a work-related commitment. A work-related commitment includes one ore more of these activities - paid work, self employment, setting up a business, looking for work, study or training or voluntary work to improve your work skills.
To see if you are eligible for Child Care Benefit and, if so, how much you are entitled to, visit the Family Assistance Office website or call 13 61 50.
Can I get Child Care Tax Rebate if I use approved care?
Yes. You may be able to get the Child Care Tax Rebate (CCTR) if you have used approved child care, been eligible for Child Care Benefit (entitled at a rate of zero or more) and have met the Child Care Benefit work, training or study test for the purpose of the rebate. Will my income affect my eligibility for Child Care Tax Rebate?
How can I get more information?
To find out more about different approved child care please see the Information for families using child care fact sheet kit and look for:
- Fact Sheet 3—What is approved care?
- Fact Sheet 4—What are the different types of approved child care?
- Fact Sheet 17—The Child Care Access Hotline—to help you find a child care service for your child
- Fact Sheet 18—Where do I find more information on child care?
For information about Child Care Benefit and Child Care Tax Rebate visit the Family Assistance Office website or call 13 61 50. Return to top