Understanding the 3-Day Guarantee 

Changes to your child care subsidy (CCS)

What is the 3-Day Guarantee? 

The 3-Day Guarantee is a government update to Australia’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) that makes early learning more accessible for families. It guarantees eligible families up to three days (72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised early childhood education and care regardless of work, study or volunteering commitments. 

By removing the CCS activity test for the first three days of care, the 3-Day Guarantee helps more children access the benefits of consistent, high-quality early learning during these important early years. 

How many hours of subsidised care can my family access under the 3-Day Guarantee? 

• All families eligible for CCS can access 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight (around three days per week) 

• Families may access up to 100 hours per fortnight if they meet activity requirements, have an exemption, or care for a First Nations child 

• Families continue to pay the gap fee (the difference between the subsidy and the service’s daily fee) 

The key change is that families no longer need to meet work or study requirements to access the first three days of subsidised care. 

What does the 3-Day Guarantee mean for Catholic Early EdCare families? 

For families already enrolled at Catholic Early EdCare services, the 3-Day Guarantee offers: 

• Greater confidence and flexibility.  It may make it easier to increase the number of days your child attends, by taking advantage of access to up to 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight for each child. 

• Families may also experience more consistency in their Child Care Subsidy from fortnight to fortnight, making planning and budgeting simpler.  

• More positive outcomes. Children attending more regularly  supports stronger relationships, familiar routines and positive learning outcomes. 

Our caring team is always happy to help you understand how the 3-Day Guarantee may support your family, including what it could mean for your out-of-pocket (gap) fees, whether it’s worth reviewing your current enrolment pattern and the session options available at your local Catholic Early EdCare service. 

What should families do now? 

1. Check your CCS status and ensure the information is up to date. 
2. Review your child’s enrolment – you may wish to increase your child’s days to take advantage of this change to child care subsidies 
3. Talk to your local service about the 3-Day Guarantee, including how this affects fees  

The 3-Day Guarantee – what does It mean for your family?  

Who is eligible for the 3-Day Guarantee?
Families who are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Eligibility is assessed through Services Australia. 

When did the 3-Day Guarantee start?
The 3-Day Guarantee commenced on 5 January 2026. 

Do I need to apply for the 3-Day Guarantee?
No. The 3-Day Guarantee is automatically applied for families receiving CCS. If you’re not currently receiving CCS, contact Services Australia to check your eligibility. 

Do I need to be working to access the 3-Day Guarantee?
No. Families do not need to meet work, study or volunteering requirements to access the first three days of subsidised care. 

Do I still need to apply for CCS?
Yes. Families must have an active CCS approval with Services Australia for the 3-Day Guarantee to apply. 

Does the 3-Day Guarantee mean child care is free?
No. The guarantee provides access to subsidised hours, reducing out-of-pocket costs. Families may still pay a gap fee depending on their CCS percentage and service fees. 

What if my work or study situation changes?
The 3-Day Guarantee offers flexibility. Eligible families will continue to have access to at least three days of subsidised care, even if circumstances change. 

Talk to your local Catholic Early EdCare service today to make the most of available subsidies and support your child’s learning journey.  Our service directors are always happy to help you understand how child care subsidies can reduce your family’s out-of-pocket costs. Speak with your local service to learn more.