Australia's Child Care Subsidy (CCS) now offers every eligible family at least 72 hours of subsidised early learning per fortnight under the new 3 Day Guarantee, effective January 5, 2026. This game-changing policy scraps the old activity test, ensuring universal access to three days a week regardless of parents' work or study hours.

Why the 3 Day Guarantee Changes Everything

Gone are the days when busy parents faced barriers to essential childcare—now, all CCS-eligible kids get three full days (72 hours biweekly) of quality ECEC locked in. First Nations children score an automatic 100 hours fortnightly, while others can top up beyond three days by meeting simple activity levels. Over 100,000 families gain access immediately, slashing costs and boosting school readiness.

Massive Savings Families Can't Ignore

Picture this: A dual-income family earning $90,000 with one child in centre-based care jumps from 36 to 72 subsidised hours fortnightly, saving $230 weekly—or $11,400 yearly—at average fees. Families on $50,000-$100,000 incomes pocket $1,460 annually on average, with $430 million in government backing over four years. It's real cost-of-living relief hitting homes now.

Who Qualifies and How It Works

Standard CCS rules apply: Australian residency, child under 13 (or special needs), and family income below $533,280 (2024-25 threshold). No activity proof needed for the core three days—claim via myGov and watch subsidies flow seamlessly to providers. Providers see enrolment surges from newly eligible families, fueled by the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund for underserved areas.

Provider Perks and Next Steps

Childcare centres benefit from steadier demand and flexible enrolments, making three-day spots a hot commodity. Families, link your CCS today through myGov for instant access—spots are filling fast post-launch. This isn't just policy; it's a lifeline for working parents and thriving kids.