The youngest child can receive the higher rate
For 2026–27, the higher rate is 95% for eligible family income up to $146,437, with different tapering bands above that amount.
How do two children in care change the maths?
When a family has more than one CCS-eligible child aged 5 or under in care, the eldest eligible child usually receives the standard rate. A second and any younger eligible children may receive a higher rate. Each child’s fee, hours and eligibility still need to be calculated separately.
Add both childrenTwo $360 fees produce different subsidy rates
Older child gap$58.68/wk
+Younger child gap$18/wk
=Family gap$76.68/wk
At $120,000 family ATI, with children aged 4 and 1 each attending three 10-hour days at $120 a day, the older child receives the 83.7% standard estimate and the younger child receives the 95% higher estimate. Total booked fees are $720 a week.
Every child keeps their own inputs
Different ages, care types, session lengths and fees can produce different gaps. ParentMath calculates each child separately before adding the household total.
Quick answers
Two-child CCS questions
Do you get more CCS for a second child?
Eligible second and younger children aged 5 or under may receive a higher rate while the eldest eligible child usually receives the standard rate.
Do siblings need to attend the same childcare centre?
No. Siblings can attend different services and still be counted under the higher rate rules.
Higher-rate settings checked 11 September 2026 against the Department of Education and Services Australia. Example verified against calculator.mjs.