Depending on the level of family income a child's parents/caregivers may be eligible for a WINZ Childcare Subsidy provided for up to 9 hours a week where the parent/ caregiver is not working and up to 50 hours a week where the parent/caregiver is working or in training.  In most cases you can't get the Childcare Subsidy for more than 9 hours a week if the child's other parent or caregiver can care for them.

The subsidy is available only for children up to 5 years of age (or over 5 if they're going to a cohort entry school).  It is available up to their 6th birthday if you get a Child Disability Allowance.   

Families whose children attend a service that receives 20 Hours ECE funding cannot get the Childcare Subsidy for the first 20 hours even if the service charges a "fee" (or requires an 'optional' payment).

Parents may choose to ask their ECE service provider not to include their child in the 20 Hours ECE funding scheme so that they can claim the WINZ subsidy instead for the same hours as the 20 Hours.  

From 1st April 2021 the maximum WINZ subsidy rates and thresholds are as follows:  

Number of children	Gross weekly total  household  income before tax	Childcare Subsidy  (per hour, per child)	Childcare Subsidy (per week, per child for 50  hours)
1	Less than $800.00	$5.37	$268.50
	$800.00 to $1,199.99	$4.28	$214.00
	$1,200.00 to $1,299.99	$2.99	$149.50
	$1,300.00 to $1,399.99	$1.67	$83.50
	$1,400.00 or more	Nil	Nil
2	Less than $920.00	$5.37	$288.50
	$920.00 to $1,279.00	$4.28	$214.00
	$1,380.00 to $1,489.99	$2.99	$149.50
	$1,490.00 to $1,599.99	$1.67	$83.50
	$1,600.00 or more	Nil	Nil
3 or more	Less than $1,030.00	$5.37	$288.50
	$1,030.00 to $1,539.00	$4.28	$214.00
	$1,540.00 to $1,669.99	$2.99	$149.50
	$1,670.00 to $1,799.99	$1.67	$83.50
	$1,800.00 or more	Nil	Nil

 

For more information and the latest updates go to the WINZ website.

Management and claim information for early childhood service members is available by clicking here to go to another article