Great news! From 1st April, 2025, the highest rate for Childcare Assistance increased to $6.52 an hour per child. Families with a gross weekly income of up to $2,335.99 per week with 1 child, $2,699.99 per week with 2 children and up to $3,003.99 per week with 3 children or more children should apply.
Work and Income’s Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) government subsidy is a payment for families who need help and support with the cost of before- and after-school care and school holiday programmes.
The subsidy is designed to make the cost of childcare more affordable for eligible families who can claim up to 20 hours per week for before- and after-school care. The subsidy also covers up to 50 hours per week for our exciting school holiday programmes, which can be especially helpful for working parents during the school holidays.
We’ll work with you and your local Work and Income office to ensure that the process for applying for and receiving an OSCAR subsidy is straightforward and stress-free.
