Big Savings: Guarantee 3 Days of Subsidised Care
What is the 3 Day Guarantee?
From 5 January 2026, the Australian Government is investing $426.7 million to guarantee 3 full days of subsidised childcare per week for eligible families.
First Nations families will receive 100 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, an increase from the previous 36 hours.
The 3 Day Guarantee is designed to:
- Support universal access to early learning
- Help children become school-ready
- Deliver cost-of-living relief for families
Real Child Care Savings
The savings add up fast. Indicative figures, based on three days a week of subsidised care:
| Annual household income | Weekly saving | Yearly saving |
|---|---|---|
| $90,000 | $230 | $11,400 |
| $120,000 | $220 | $10,630 |
| $140,000 | $200 | $10,110 |
For example, a family earning $90,000/year previously only qualified for 18 hours of subsidised care. With the 3 Day Guarantee, they'll now receive 36 hours/week.
Use Our Child Care Subsidy Calculator!
Find out more and easily estimate your subsidy and potential out-of-pocket expenses with the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Calculator HERE.
Activity Test Removal
The activity test was first introduced in 2018, requiring a parent to work, study or volunteer to qualify for childcare subsidies.
From 5 January 2026, the activity test has been removed in full. Combined with the 3 Day Guarantee, this means eligibility is no longer tied to what parents are doing during the day, so more families can access more subsidised care, more simply.
How to access it at Explorers
- Register your interest. Sign up to the Family Hub, nominate the centres you'd consider, and add the days you'd like.
- We'll contact you with availability. When a place matches your nominated days, you'll receive a written offer in the Family Hub.
- Accept your offer. Days, fees, and bond are clearly listed before you commit. The Childcare Subsidy and 3 Day Guarantee are applied automatically.
Register Your Interest
Secure a place for your child at an Explorers Centre by submitting your registration.
Questions?
Call our Family Support Team on 1300 000 335 or raise a question inside the Family Hub. We'll talk you through what the guarantee looks like at the centre you're considering.