"Can I get the Child Care Subsidy for my nanny?" It’s a question that’s probably crossed the mind of every parent juggling work, life, and the eternal puzzle of childcare. You’ve heard whispers, you've seen forum posts, but getting a straight answer can feel like trying to find a matching pair of toddler socks.
Let’s cut to the chase. The short answer is: probably not. But the longer, more helpful answer is: it’s complicated, and for a very specific group of families, it's a "yes".
Since the big childcare overhaul in 2018, the old system was swapped out for the In-Home Care (IHC) program. This is the main, and pretty much only, way to get a government subsidy for care provided in your own home. Let's break down what this means for you, who qualifies for the Child Care Subsidy, and why nannies and au pairs are still a brilliant choice for many families, subsidy or not.
What's the Deal with the In-Home Care Program?
The In-Home Care program isn't just a free-for-all for anyone who fancies a nanny. It’s a targeted scheme designed to support families who genuinely can't use mainstream childcare options like long day care, family day care, or outside school hours care.
If you qualify, you'll get access to a qualified educator who provides care right in your home. They don't just supervise; they deliver a tailored early learning program. Think educational games, arts and crafts, and outdoor play, all from the comfort of your living room.
So, Do I Qualify for In-Home Care?
To get your hands on a subsidised In-Home Care place, you need to clear two hurdles. First, you have to meet the standard eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Then, you must meet the specific criteria for In-Home Care.
To be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, you must:
- Care for a child 13 or younger who's not attending secondary school (unless an exemption applies).
- Use an approved child care service.
- Be responsible for paying the child care fees.
- Meet residency and immunisation requirements.
Simple enough, right? Now for the tricky part.
To be eligible for In-Home Care, you must also prove that other approved child care types are unavailable or unsuitable, AND at least one of the following must apply to your family:
- You work non-standard or variable hours: Think shift workers, emergency services personnel, or anyone whose work hours clash with standard 9-to-5 care.
- You're geographically isolated: You live in a rural or remote area where getting to a childcare centre is a mission in itself.
- Your family has complex needs: This could mean a parent is undergoing serious medical treatment, a child has a disability with needs that can't be met elsewhere, or the family is facing other significant challenges.
The government is pretty clear that this program is for those who need it most. If this sounds like your situation, your first step is to contact your state or territory’s In-Home Care Support Agency. They’re the gatekeepers who will assess your eligibility and allocate one of the limited places.
Let's Talk Money: The 2025 Rates
If you do qualify, the Child Care Subsidy is paid directly to your approved In-Home Care provider, which reduces the fees you pay. The amount you get depends on your family's income.
For the 2024-2025 financial year, the hourly rate cap for In-Home Care is $37.34 per family. It’s important to note this is per family, not per child. The CCS will cover a percentage of your fee up to this cap.
How many subsidised hours you can get is determined by an activity test. This looks at how much you and your partner work, study, or volunteer. You could be eligible for up to 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight. Your IHC Support Agency will determine the exact number of hours your family receives.
What About Nannies and Au Pairs Subsidy?
This is where the lines get a bit blurry for many people.
- Nannies: If you hire a nanny privately or through an agency that isn't an approved In-Home Care provider, you won't be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. The nanny themselves cannot be a registered provider; it must be the agency they work for.
- Au Pairs: The cultural exchange nature of the au pair arrangement means they are not considered approved child care, so you cannot claim the subsidy for them.
With only around 3,200 In-Home Care places available nationwide, it's clear that most families using a nanny won't get government assistance.
Why Nannies & Au Pairs Are Still a Great Idea
So, if there’s no subsidy for most, why are nannies and au pairs so popular? Because for many families, the benefits far outweigh the lack of government funding.
Childcare isn't just about finding a place to park your kids while you work. It's about finding what works for your family's unique rhythm. For many, in-home care is the answer, especially if:
- You have multiple children: The cost of sending three kids to long day care can be eye-watering. Sometimes, a single nanny's wage can be more cost-effective than multiple centre fees, especially if your income is high enough that you'd receive little or no subsidy anyway.
- You work unconventional hours: Doctors, nurses, small business owners, and FIFO workers can't just drop everything at 5 pm. A nanny or au pair offers the flexibility to build a care schedule that fits your life, not the other way around.
- You value convenience: Imagine mornings without the mad rush to get everyone fed, dressed, and bundled into the car. Or evenings where the kids are already home, bathed, and happy. That convenience is priceless.
A nanny is a professional child-carer who offers one-on-one attention, tailored to your child's needs and your parenting style. An au pair brings an incredible cultural exchange into your home, helping with childcare and light housework in return for board and a unique Australian experience.
Ultimately, the best childcare is the one that gives you peace of mind. While the Child Care Subsidy for nannies is a reality for only a select few through the In-Home Care program, the flexibility and personal touch of a nanny or au pair make them the perfect fit for many Australian families.
