CCS Rates 2026-27: Estimated Figures
The 2026-27 CCS rates have not been officially confirmed yet, but we can estimate them. CCS income thresholds and hourly caps are indexed by CPI each year. Based on the December 2025 CPI increase of 3.8%, here is what to expect from 1 July 2026.
Estimated 2026-27 CCS rates
| 2025-26 | Estimated 2026-27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income for full 90% CCS | up to $85,279 | about $88,520 |
| Income where CCS reaches 0% | $535,279 | about $538,520 |
| Hourly cap: Long Day Care | $14.63 | about $15.19 |
| Hourly cap: OSHC / school age | $12.81 | about $13.30 |
| Hourly cap: Family Day Care | $13.56 | about $14.08 |
| Hourly cap: In Home Care | $39.80 | about $41.31 |
These estimates apply the December 2025 CPI increase of 3.8% to current figures. Final figures may differ slightly due to official rounding. This table updates when confirmed.
CCS rate by family ATI — estimated 2026-27
Estimated using 2026-27 CPI-adjusted thresholds. Use the CCS Checker for confirmed 2025-26 calculations.
Estimated 2026-27 second and younger child CCS rates
Families with more than one CCS eligible child aged 5 or under may get a higher CCS rate for the second and younger children. These thresholds are also indexed by CPI each year.
| Estimated 2026-27 family income | Second and younger child CCS rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $148,717 | 95% |
| More than $148,717 to below $193,717 | Decreases from 95% to 80% |
| $193,717 to below $273,007 | 80% |
| $273,007 to below $363,007 | Decreases from 80% to 50% |
| $363,007 to below $373,007 | 50% |
| $373,007 or more | Higher rate no longer applies |
Estimated figures only. See the second child higher CCS rate guide for full details on how the higher rate works and when it applies.
What this means for your family
Higher caps mean the government covers slightly more of your fees, but only up to the cap. If your centre charges above the cap, you pay the full difference on those extra cents regardless.
For most families the dollar impact of indexation alone is modest, typically a few dollars per week. The bigger variable is whether your centre raises fees faster than CCS caps rise.
Use the calculator to model your specific situation under current rates.
What is still unknown
To be confirmed after Federal Budget 12 May 2026:
- Final income thresholds and hourly caps
- Any policy changes beyond routine indexation
- FTB rates and HELP thresholds for 2026-27
This page updates immediately after the budget.
What is already locked in for 2026-27
The 3 Day Guarantee, introduced 5 January 2026, continues unchanged. Every eligible family gets a minimum of 72 subsidised hours per fortnight regardless of activity test. This is legislated and funded for 2026-27.
See the 3 Day Guarantee guide for full details.
Why costs can change even when rates do not
Even in years with no policy changes, families notice cost differences because:
- Provider fees often rise faster than CCS caps
- Income changes affect your CCS rate mid-year
- Adding or removing care days changes your entitlement
- CCS only updates from the date you tell Centrelink, not retrospectively
Keeping your income estimate current with Services Australia is the single most effective thing you can do to avoid a debt at balancing. See CCS income thresholds and steps for the rate steps that apply to your income.
FAQs
Are the 2026-27 CCS rates confirmed?
No. The figures on this page are estimates based on CPI indexation. Official rates are expected after the Federal Budget on 12 May 2026.
Will my CCS increase in 2026-27?
The subsidy caps and income thresholds are expected to rise modestly with CPI. Whether your out-of-pocket cost goes up or down depends on whether your centre raises fees and whether your income changes.
When will the official rates be published?
Usually confirmed before 1 July each year. This page and the calculator update immediately when the official 2026-27 figures are formally published.
Why has the calculator not changed yet?
The calculator uses officially confirmed rates only. It will update as soon as the 2026-27 figures are formally published.
Summary
- 2026-27 CCS rates not yet confirmed: estimates are based on December 2025 CPI of 3.8%
- Hourly caps are expected to rise modestly from 1 July 2026
- Income thresholds are expected to rise modestly from 1 July 2026
- Federal Budget on 12 May 2026 will confirm final figures
- The 3 Day Guarantee continues unchanged into 2026-27
- This page and the calculator update immediately on confirmation