If you’re researching childcare, you may have come across the Three Day Guarantee and wondered what it means for your family.
Introduced by the Australian Government in January 2026, the Three Day Guarantee is part of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and gives eligible families access to at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare each fortnight, around three days of care each week.
The changes are designed to make quality early learning more accessible for Australian families. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Three Day Guarantee?
Previously, the number of subsidised childcare hours available depended on a family’s recognised activity level, such as the number of hours parents worked, studied or volunteered. Under the Three Day Guarantee, eligible families can now access at least 72 hours of subsidised care each fortnight, regardless of their recognised activity level.
This gives more children the opportunity to experience the benefits of quality early learning while providing families with greater flexibility.
How does the Three Day Guarantee work?
The easiest way to understand the Three Day Guarantee is to compare what happened before and after the change.
Before January 2026
A parent who wasn’t working, studying or meeting the activity test may have only been eligible for a limited number of subsidised childcare hours each fortnight. This meant some families could only access one day of subsidised childcare each week.
From January 2026
Eligible families can now access at least 72 hours of subsidised childcare each fortnight (around three days each week), regardless of their recognised activity level.
A simple example
Let’s say Emily stays home with her three-year-old daughter while looking for work.
Before the Three Day Guarantee: Emily may have only been eligible for a limited number of subsidised childcare hours because she wasn’t meeting the activity test.
With the Three Day Guarantee: Emily can now access up to 72 hours of subsidised childcare each fortnight, giving her daughter more opportunities to learn, play and build friendships while also giving Emily time to attend job interviews, appointments or focus on finding employment.
It’s important to remember that families still need to be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). The Three Day Guarantee doesn’t automatically make every family eligible for CCS, it simply guarantees a minimum level of subsidised care for families who qualify.
Who is eligible for the Three Day Guarantee?
To access the Three Day Guarantee, families must still be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. Eligibility is based on factors including:
your family’s income
residency requirements
your child’s age
using an approved childcare provider
If you’re unsure whether your family is eligible, Services Australia or your childcare provider can help you understand your individual circumstances.
To better understand your estimated childcare costs, try our <Child Care Subsidy Calculator link> It can help you estimate your Government subsidy and your expected out-of-pocket costs based on your family’s circumstances.
Why is the Three Day Guarantee good for children?
The Three Day Guarantee is about more than making childcare more affordable. It also gives more children the opportunity to experience the benefits of quality early learning.
Regular attendance at childcare helps children to:
build confidence and independence
develop communication and social skills
form friendships and a sense of belonging
establish routines that support future learning
prepare for a positive transition to school
For families, it also provides greater flexibility, whether you’re returning to work, studying, looking for employment or simply wanting your child to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality early learning environment.
What does this mean at Creative Childcare?
At Creative Childcare, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be apart of our community.
The Three Day Guarantee is helping more families access the benefits of early learning, making it easier for children to build relationships, explore through play and develop the skills they’ll carry with them into school and beyond.
Helpful Resources
Looking for more information? The following Government resources provide detailed information about the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and the Three Day Guarantee:
Services Australia – Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Find out if you’re eligible, learn how CCS works, update your details and manage your subsidy.Department of Education – 3 Day Guarantee
Learn more about the Three Day Guarantee, including who is eligible and how the changes work.Services Australia – How to Claim Child Care Subsidy
A step-by-step guide to applying for the Child Care Subsidy through myGov and Services Australia.
If you’re considering childcare, our team is always happy to answer your questions about the Child Care Subsidy, explain how the Three Day Guarantee works and help you find the best care option for your family.
