Understanding the 3-Day Guarantee and How It Works with CCS and Free Kinder in Victoria
Nov 5, 2025 | aliciamarcano | Diggers Rest, Education, Eucalyptus, Galada, General Information, Kirrip, Mill Park Heights, Orchard Road, The Heights | 3 day guarantee, 72 hour guarantee, Child care subsidy, free kinder, free kinder victoria, update
Big changes are coming for Victorian families in early 2026 that will make early learning more affordable and accessible than ever. From 5 January 2026, the Federal Government will introduce the 3-Day Guarantee, ensuring that every Child Care Subsidy (CCS)-eligible family can access at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight, no matter how many hours they work, study, or volunteer.
What the 3-Day Guarantee means for families
Until now, the number of subsidised hours you received through CCS depended on your activity level. Families working fewer hours often qualified for only 24 hours of care per fortnight. Under the new 3-Day Guarantee, that minimum will rise to 72 hours, or roughly three days of subsidised care every two weeks.
This change means more children will have consistent access to quality early learning, and families who work casually, study part-time, or have fluctuating hours will no longer miss out on essential care.
How CCS continues to work
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) remains the main way the Federal Government helps families with childcare costs. Your CCS percentage — up to 90% — still depends on your combined family income. The subsidy is paid directly to your provider, reducing your childcare fees.
The 3-Day Guarantee doesn’t change how much CCS you receive, it simply increases the number of hours it covers, so you get more out of your existing subsidy.
How Free Kinder fits in
On top of CCS, the Victorian Government’s Free Kinder initiative continues to provide up to $2,101 per year in fee relief for children attending funded 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs at participating long day care services.
This state-based offset is applied after CCS, further reducing the remaining “gap fee” families pay.
Putting it all together
Here’s how it works:
- CCS reduces your fees first, based on your income and the number of subsidised hours (now guaranteed at least 72 per fortnight).
- The Free Kinder Offset is then applied by your service, lowering your costs even more.
- You pay only the remaining balance — often just a small weekly amount.
Together, these supports make early learning more affordable and inclusive, helping every Victorian child get the best start in life.
Current year 2025 | Subject to change.
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