When it comes to raising children, grandparents often step into the role of caregivers, providing everything from occasional babysitting to full-time parenting. Recognising the vital role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives, the Australian government offers the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) - Grandparent, a program designed to ease the financial pressures of childcare.
Curious about how this works? Whether you're a grandparent or simply exploring your options, this guide will walk you through the benefits and application process of the subsidy. Plus, find out how tools like the Childcare Subsidy Calculator can help you estimate your savings and plan effectively.
What Is the Additional Child Care Subsidy (Grandparent)?
The ACCS is part of the government’s Child Care Safety Net, a broader initiative to support families in challenging circumstances. Specifically, the Grandparent Subsidy helps grandparents who act as the primary caregivers for their grandchildren by significantly reducing childcare costs.
This subsidy is an update to the previous Grandparent Child Care Benefit, providing even more targeted and comprehensive support.
Who Is Eligible for the Additional Child Care Subsidy?
To receive the ACCS - Grandparent, recipients must meet a few specific criteria. You or your partner must:
- Be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
- Receive an income support payment, such as the Age Pension or Carer Payment.
- Be the grandparent or great-grandparent of the cared-for child.
- Have 65% or more care of the child.
- Be responsible for day-to-day decisions about the child’s welfare, development, and care.
What Counts as a Grandparent?
The government recognises a range of relationships when defining the term “grandparent.” You’re considered a grandparent if you are biologically, adoptively, or otherwise related to the child through:
- Adoption
- Step-relationships, including former step-parents.
- Artificial conception or surrogacy.
- De facto relationships.
It’s important to note that you must meet all the eligibility criteria to receive this subsidy. If you provide regular but not primary care for your grandchildren, you may still be eligible for the standard Child Care Subsidy, so don’t count yourself out. Not sure what you might qualify for? Use the Care for Kids Childcare Subsidy Calculator to estimate your potential savings in minutes.
How Much Can Eligible Grandparents Receive?
The ACCS - Grandparent provides up to 100 hours of subsidised child care per fortnight. Unlike the standard CCS, it offers more generous terms tailored specifically to grandparents acting as the primary carers.
Here’s what makes the ACCS stand out:
- No activity test requirement: Recipients aren’t obligated to meet the hours worked/studied typically required for other CCS payments.
- Generous fee coverage:
- 100% of the fee charged if it’s below or equal to the hourly rate cap.
- Up to 120% of the CCS hourly rate cap for higher fees.
The best part? There’s no time limit for how long you can access the subsidy, as long as you remain eligible.
Why Use the Care for Kids Childcare Subsidy Calculator?
Understanding your potential subsidy can feel like navigating a maze, but that’s where the Childcare Subsidy Calculator comes in handy. This free tool can give you an accurate snapshot of your financial options in just seconds. Simply input your details to find out how much support you or your family members might qualify for.
The Subsidy Calculator ensures you’re informed and helps you make smart decisions about budgeting for childcare.
How to Apply for the Subsidy
Step 1. Gather Your Supporting Documents
Before applying, ensure you have relevant documentation ready, including:
- Proof of family relationship (e.g., birth certificates, adoption papers).
- Care evidence (e.g., custody orders, parenting plans, or court documents).
- Day-to-day decision-making evidence (e.g., letters from schools or healthcare professionals affirming your caregiving role).
Organising these documents proactively can save you time and reduce delays during the application process.
Step 2. Submit Your Application
Applications can be submitted online through myGov, which is linked to your Centrelink account. If you don’t have these accounts set up, you’ll need to create one first. To lodge your application:
- Log into myGov and go to your Centrelink account.
- From the menu, choose My Family > Additional Child Care Subsidy (Grandparent).
- Follow the prompts to complete your claim.
You can also submit your claim in person at a Centrelink office if needed.
Step 3. Wait for Assessment
Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a receipt with your application ID and next steps. Centrelink may request additional documentation, so it’s important to monitor your myGov inbox or your mailbox, depending on your communication preferences.
FAQs About the ACCS - Grandparent
Q. How does the subsidy cover fees?
Eligible grandparents have up to 100% of childcare fees subsidised if these costs are within the hourly rate cap. For higher fees, the subsidy covers up to 120% of the cap.
Q. Can I receive the ACCS if I don’t qualify for income support?
Unfortunately, no. Receiving an income support payment is a strict eligibility criterion for the ACCS - Grandparent.
Q. Is there a time limit for receiving this subsidy?
No, you can continue receiving the subsidy as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Supporting Grandparents and Families
At Care for Kids, we understand the unique challenges grandparents face when stepping into a caregiving role. That’s why we offer resources like the Childcare Subsidy Calculator and Childcare Cost Tool to help families find affordable, high-quality care.
If you’re exploring local childcare options to complement grandparent care, our childcare search tool will connect you with providers near you so you can make informed decisions tailored to your family’s needs.
Take the Next Step
Providing care for grandchildren is a special and sometimes demanding responsibility, but financial support through the Additional Child Care Subsidy makes it more manageable.
Find out how much financial assistance you (or your family) might receive today. Use the Care for Kids Childcare Subsidy Calculator to get started, explore local providers, and create a care plan that works for your family.
