What determines whether I get 72 or 100 hours of CCS per fortnight?

Your subsidised hours entitlement is determined by the CCS activity test, specifically the parent or carer with the lower level of recognised activity. 72 hours per fortnight applies when the lower-activity parent has 8-16 hours of activity. 100 hours applies when the lower-activity parent has more than 16 hours of recognised activity per fortnight.

What counts as a recognised activity for the CCS activity test?

Recognised activities include: paid work, self-employment, study or training, unpaid work in a family business, volunteering, job hunting, and some other approved activities. The hours are counted per fortnight. From January 2026, the 3-Day Guarantee provides a minimum of 72 hours regardless of activity level.

Does the 100-hour entitlement mean I can use 100 hours every fortnight?

Having a 100-hour entitlement means CCS will subsidise up to 100 hours of care per fortnight. You are only subsidised for the hours actually used. If your child attends 80 hours per fortnight, only 80 hours are subsidised. The entitlement is a cap, not a floor.

What if one parent works and the other doesn't — what is our entitlement?

The activity test is based on the parent with the lower activity level. If one parent works full time but the other does not work, study, or volunteer at all, the household gets the minimum 72-hour entitlement (via the 3-Day Guarantee) rather than 100 hours. To get the 100-hour entitlement, both parents must each have at least 16 recognised activity hours per fortnight.

72 vs 100 Hours: CCS Activity Test Explained

3 min read Updated 11 February 2026

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The number of subsidised hours you receive depends on the activity test. Understanding this can help you estimate your childcare costs more accurately.

How the Activity Test Works

Your fortnightly hours entitlement is determined by the parent or carer with the lowest activity level. Activity includes:

Paid work
Study or training
Volunteering
Looking for work
Other recognised activities

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Hours Entitlement Bands

Activity Hours (per fortnight)	Subsidised Hours
0-48 hours	72 hours
More than 48 hours	100 hours

Note: If you're working less than 48 hours per fortnight but have higher activity through study or other approved activities, those hours count too. See our activity hours guide for details on what counts as recognised activity.

What This Means in Practice

If your household uses 50 hours of care per week (100 hours per fortnight):

With 100 hours entitlement: All hours are subsidised
With 72 hours entitlement: 28 hours are unsubsidised

Unsubsidised hours are charged at the full fee rate, which can significantly increase your weekly costs.

Key Takeaways

The activity test uses the lower activity parent's hours
72 hours is the standard entitlement under the 3 Day Guarantee
100 hours applies when activity exceeds 48 hours per fortnight
Hours beyond your entitlement are charged at full fees — see CCS hours explained

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an activity?

Paid work, self-employment, study, training, looking for work, volunteering, and running a business all count. Some caring responsibilities may also count.

What if I'm on leave from work?

Temporary leave (such as annual leave or sick leave) generally doesn't affect your activity level. The activity test is based on your regular arrangements.

Can I get more than 100 hours?

In most cases, 100 hours is the maximum. Families in certain circumstances (such as those with children at risk) may be eligible for additional hours.

What if one parent doesn't work?

Your entitlement is based on the lower-activity parent. If one parent has zero activity hours, you'd typically receive the base 72 hours entitlement.

This is general guidance only. Report all changes (income, relationship, care arrangements) promptly via myGov. For personalised advice, contact Services Australia at 136 150 or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy.

Hourly caps are indexed annually. For 2025-26: $14.63 (centre-based day care under school age), $13.56 (family day care), and lower for outside school hours care. Check current rates at servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy/rates.