Can you get CCS and other government payments at the same time?

When it comes to childcare costs, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is often just one part of the support families receive. Other payments, like Family Tax Benefit or Paid Parental Leave, can also play a role - each designed to support a different part of family life. For many families, these payments can work alongside each other - but they don’t all apply in the same way or at the same time. Here’s how it all fits together.

CCS and Family Tax Benefit (FTB)

Different purposes

CCS and Family Tax Benefit (FTB) are often mentioned together — but they support different parts of family life.

• CCS helps reduce the cost of approved childcare
• FTB helps with the general cost of raising children

You don’t need to choose between them - many families receive both.

How they work together

While you can receive both payments, they’re assessed separately.

• CCS is based on things like your income, activity level, and childcare use
• FTB is based on your income and number of children

One doesn’t directly reduce the other, but your overall income can affect eligibility for both. In practice:

• CCS reduces your childcare fees at the service
• FTB is usually paid to you (fortnightly or as a lump sum)

CCS and Paid Parental Leave (PPL)

How timing works

This is where things can feel a little less straightforward. You generally can’t receive CCS for the same hours you’re being paid Paid Parental Leave (PPL) to care for your child. That’s because both payments are designed to support you while you’re caring for your child, just in different ways.

What this looks like in practice

• While you’re on Paid Parental Leave, you’re usually not using formal childcare - so CCS doesn’t apply yet
• Once you return to work (or approved activities) and start using childcare, CCS can begin
• If there’s overlap (for example, easing back into work), your CCS entitlement will depend on your activity level and reported hours

Why this matters when planning childcare costs

When you’re thinking about childcare costs, it’s easy to focus only on CCS. But your overall budget is often supported by a combination of payments. It’s not just about the childcare fee — it’s about how everything works together.

For example:

• CCS reduces your childcare fees upfront
• FTB can help cover everyday household costs
• Other payments may provide support during transitions (like returning to work)

Looking at the bigger picture can help you better understand what childcare will actually cost your family.

A quick reality check

Government payments can feel complicated, especially when you’re navigating multiple changes and policies at once. But in most cases:

• you can receive CCS alongside other payments
• each payment has a clear purpose
• eligibility rules are there to make sure support is targeted and fair

If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to double-check your situation with Services Australia, especially during times like returning to work or increasing your childcare days.