Hey there, families! We know that navigating the world of childcare subsidies can sometimes feel like trying to solve a giant puzzle. Between work, soccer practice, and making sure the little ones are eating their veggies, the last thing you want is a headache over paperwork.
At Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre, we are deeply committed to a partnership with our families. We want to ensure that every child has access to a nourishing and growth-oriented environment where fun and learning go hand-in-hand. To help you get the most out of your childcare experience without breaking the bank, we’ve put together this easy guide on how to maximise your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and fee relief.
Whether you are part of our community at Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre, Liverpool, our vibrant centre in Blacktown, or our beautiful facility in Prestons, these tips are designed to put money back in your pocket while your child enjoys our meticulous care.
Step 1: Keep Your Income Estimates Meticulous and Up-to-Date
The first and most important step in making sure you aren't paying more than you should is keeping your income information current. Your CCS percentage is directly tied to your combined family income.
If you underestimate your income, you might end up with a "debt" at the end of the financial year because the government paid too much on your behalf. On the flip side, if you overestimate your income, you might be paying higher daily fees than necessary and waiting until tax time to get that money back.
We recommend checking your income estimate through your MyGov account at least once every quarter. If you’ve had a pay rise, a bonus, or even a change in hours, jumping onto the app to update those details ensures your subsidy remains accurate. At our Blacktown, Liverpool, and Prestons locations, we see how much a small adjustment can help a family's weekly budget!
Step 2: Take Advantage of the 2026 Activity Test Changes
Great news! As of January 2026, the activity test rules have changed significantly to better support Australian families. If you haven’t checked your entitlement recently, you might be surprised to find you are eligible for more hours of subsidised care than before.
Previously, many families were limited in the number of hours they could claim based on how much they worked or studied. However, all CCS-eligible families now automatically receive at least 72 hours (which is 3 days) per fortnight of subsidised care, regardless of their work or study hours.
This is a huge win for families who need that extra day for appointments, rest, or just to give their child more socialisation and learning opportunities. If you were previously capped at 36 hours, your account should have updated automatically, but it’s always worth double-checking your MyGov portal to ensure you’re getting your full entitlement at our Blacktown or Prestons centres.
Step 3: Explore Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS)
Sometimes, life throws a curveball. We understand that circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. If your family is going through a tough time, the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) is there to provide extra support, often covering up to 100% of your fees.
There are different types of ACCS, including:
- Temporary Financial Hardship: For families who have experienced a sudden loss of income, illness, or other major life events.
- Transition to Work: Helping low-income families while they transition back into the workforce.
- Grandparenting: For grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren.
If you think you might qualify, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Whether you are at Rainbow Hut Liverpool, Blacktown, or Prestons, our directors are here to guide you with parental warmth and total confidentiality. We believe in building capacity within our community, and that starts with making sure our families are supported.
Step 4: Utilise the Preschool Exemption Program
Is your little one heading off to "Big School" next year? This is such a precious time in their development! At Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre, our Preschool Program is specifically designed to ensure your child is future-ready.
To support this transition, the government offers a Preschool Exemption. If your regular CCS activity test level is lower than 36 hours, you may still be entitled to 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight if your child is in the year before primary school and is enrolled in an approved preschool program (like ours!).
This allows your child to benefit from our meticulous curriculum, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills, without it costing you extra. We are proud to offer this program across all three of our locations: Liverpool, Blacktown, and Prestons: ensuring every child gets the best start possible.
Step 5: Regular Monitoring and Open Communication
The final step is to stay engaged with your CCS balance. Life is busy, but taking five minutes once a month to check your MyGov or Centrelink app can prevent "gap fee" surprises.
Check for:
- Absences: Remember that you have a set number of allowable absences per year where CCS is still paid. If you go over these, you may have to pay the full fee for that day.
- Confirmation of Enrolment: If you are moving between our centres: say, from Prestons to Blacktown: make sure you confirm the new enrolment in your MyGov account promptly so payments aren't delayed.
- End-of-Year Balancing: Every year, the government "balances" your payments. Keeping your details updated throughout the year makes this process much smoother.
At Rainbow Hut, we value inclusivity and respect for diversity. We know every family’s financial situation is unique, and we are here to help you navigate it. Our team is always ready to sit down for a chat to help you understand your statements or provide the paperwork you need for Centrelink.
Why Choose Rainbow Hut Early Learning Centre?
We are a dedicated team that treats every child like they are our own. We aren't just a "daycare": we are a place of nourishing growth and fun. Our three convenient locations in Liverpool, Blacktown, and Prestons are designed to be safe havens for children to explore their world.
We believe in:
- Shaping young minds through play-based learning.
- Fostering a sense of community values and multiculturalism.
- Providing a growth-oriented curriculum that respects each child's individual pace.
Our goal is to make high-quality early childhood education accessible and affordable for all families in our community. By following these five steps, you can maximise your subsidy and ensure your child receives the best care at a price that works for your budget.
Ready to Join the Rainbow Hut Family?
If you have questions about our fees, our programs, or how to get started with your CCS application, we would love to hear from you! We invite you to visit one of our beautiful centres to see the fun and learning in action.
- Visit our About Us page to learn more about our philosophy.
- Check out our Blacktown page for local info.
- Ready to secure a spot? JOIN OUR WAITLIST today!
We can't wait to welcome you and your little one into our Liverpool, Blacktown, or Prestons family. Let's work together to give your child a precious start to their education journey!
Contact us today!
For any enquiries, feel free to visit our Contact Us page or drop by your nearest centre. We are here to help you every step of the way!
