Understanding how much you’ll actually pay for childcare can be confusing – especially with the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) system, income brackets, and multiple centre options to consider.
To help make things easier for families, Piptree Early Learning offers a simple online Subsidy Calculator that gives you an instant estimate of your out-of-pocket fees. It’s quick, free, and tailored to each Piptree location.
Whether you’re already familiar with the CCS or have no idea where to start, this guide will walk you through how to use the tool and what it means for your family’s finances.Try the calculator now: Use the Piptree Subsidy Calculator
What Is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
The Child Care Subsidy is a government payment that reduces the cost of early learning for eligible families. The amount you receive depends on three main factors:
- Your combined family income
- Your activity level (e.g. work, study, volunteering)
- The hourly rate cap and type of childcare you use
Once calculated, the CCS is paid directly to the childcare provider, reducing your upfront fees.
Why Use the Piptree Subsidy Calculator?
The calculator is designed to simplify what can be a confusing process. Instead of navigating through Centrelink or MyGov on your own, Piptree’s tool gives you a ballpark estimate based on your real circumstances.
You’ll get:
- An instant weekly or daily fee estimate after CCS is applied
- A breakdown by location, days attended, and age group
- Helpful next steps, like joining the waitlist or booking a tour
It’s ideal for planning your childcare budget, comparing days, or working out whether returning to work is financially viable.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Calculator
You can access the tool anytime via piptree.com.au/subsidy-calculator. Here’s what to expect:
1. Select Your Nearest Piptree Location
Choose from one of five Brisbane centres: Sunnybank Hills, Capalaba, Heritage Park, Eight Mile Plains, or Tanah Merah. Fees vary slightly between centres.
2. Enter Your Child’s Age
Select the age group that best reflects your little one:
- Under 12 months
- 1–2 years
- 2–3 years
- 3–5 years
This helps estimate your care type and daily rate.
3. Know Your CCS Percentage?
If you already know your CCS percentage (e.g. 85%, 50%, etc.), great! Select it from the dropdown.
4. Don’t Know Your CCS? Use Your Income Instead
If you’re unsure, the calculator allows you to input your annual family income instead. It will then estimate your CCS percentage for you.
💡 Tip: If your income or activity hours change during the year, your CCS may be recalculated.
5. Select How Many Days You Need Care
Choose how many days per week you’d like your child to attend – this will impact your total weekly fee.
6. Click ‘Next’ to View Your Estimate
That’s it! You’ll be taken to a result page showing:
- Estimated daily fee after CCS
- Total weekly fee
- Contact options to speak with your local Piptree team
What If My CCS Changes Later?
The calculator is an estimate only. Your exact subsidy amount is determined by Services Australia based on official income reporting and eligibility.
Still, it’s a helpful way to:
- Budget your return to work
- Compare days and locations
- See the impact of CCS before committing
If you’d like help confirming your CCS or applying, your Piptree centre director can guide you through it.
Next Steps: From Estimate to Enrolment
Once you’ve got your estimated out-of-pocket fees, you can:
✅ Join the Piptree Waitlist
✅ Book a Tour of Your Nearest Centre
✅ Speak to our team for help understanding your CCS
Piptree is here to make the process simple – and that starts with transparent, stress-free fee information.Ready to get started? Use the Subsidy Calculator now to find out what childcare might actually cost your family.