2026 Child Care Subsidy: How the 3-Day Guarantee Helps Families
For years, families across Australia have struggled with the cost of early learning, especially those who didn’t meet the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) activity test. This left many parents limited to just one subsidised day of care each week, even though children thrive on consistency and routine.
From January 2026, that’s set to change. The Australian Government is introducing the 3-Day Guarantee, giving all CCS-eligible families access to at least 72 subsidised hours of childcare per fortnight, equivalent to three days each week in most long day care services.
What Is the 3-Day Guarantee?
Currently, families who don’t meet the CCS activity test (based on work, study or volunteering hours) are only eligible for 24 subsidised hours per fortnight. That works out to about one day of care each week. For many families, this has meant making difficult choices:
- Paying full fees for additional days.
- Cutting back on work opportunities.
- Limiting their child’s access to consistent early learning.
From 5 January 2026, the 3-Day Guarantee changes this system. Every CCS-eligible family will receive 72 subsidised hours of care per fortnight, regardless of whether they meet the activity test. That’s three days of care at a subsidised rate, making childcare more accessible and affordable for thousands of families.
Who Will Benefit?
The change is particularly significant for families who currently miss out on higher levels of subsidy. Parents who work casually, have irregular hours or are studying part-time will now be able to access three days of subsidised care each week. Families with children under five years of age and an income below $535,279 per year are eligible.
In short, families who benefit most include:
- Parents with casual or unpredictable work schedules.
- Students and part-time workers balancing family and study.
- Households previously restricted to one subsidised day under the old rules.
Take Jane, for example, a single mum in Sydney who works casually. In 2025, she only received one day of subsidised care for her son Leo, meaning she had to pay full fees for any additional days. From 2026, she’ll be entitled to three fully subsidised days, giving her child more opportunities to play and learn and giving Jane the flexibility to work more hours or simply take a breather.
Why It Matters
The benefits of this change go beyond easing household budgets. Early learning is about more than just care—it’s about giving children the best start in life. Research shows that children who attend early education regularly are more confident, resilient and ready for school.
With the 3-Day Guarantee, families can look forward to:
- Consistent routines for children.
- More opportunities for learning, play, and friendships.
- Reduced financial stress for parents.
- Greater flexibility to balance work, study, and family life.
By guaranteeing three subsidised days each week, families can establish stronger routines and children can build the social and cognitive skills they need for school and beyond.
When and Where It Applies
The new rules come into effect from 5 January 2026, across Australia. The 3-Day Guarantee applies to approved childcare settings, including:
- Long day care.
- Family day care.
- Preschool and kindergarten programs.
Families that do meet the activity test will continue to be eligible for up to 100 hours per fortnight, so no one loses access under the new system.
The 3-Day Guarantee is one of the most significant changes to the Child Care Subsidy since it began. By removing barriers tied to the activity test, the government is making childcare more affordable and accessible, while also supporting children’s learning and development.
The key takeaway? If you’re CCS-eligible, you can look forward to at least three subsidised days of childcare per week from 2026. This change means less financial stress, more consistency for your child and greater flexibility for your family.
To learn more about your eligibility and how the 3-Day Guarantee will affect you, contact First Connections Early Learning today.