Understanding the cost of childcare is one of the biggest considerations for families on the Gold Coast, particularly when planning a return to work or enrolling your child in early learning for the first time. Alongside childcare fees, many parents are also navigating government support payments, which can feel complex and difficult to understand at first.
Two of the most important supports available to Australian families are the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). While they serve different purposes, together they can significantly reduce the financial pressure of raising children and accessing quality childcare.
In this guide, we explain how Family Tax Benefit works, how it relates to childcare costs, and what Gold Coast families should know to plan ahead with confidence.
What Is the Family Tax Benefit (FTB)?
The Family Tax Benefit is a government payment designed to help families manage the everyday costs of raising children. It’s administered by Services Australia and is available to eligible families based on factors such as income, family structure and the level of care provided.
FTB is made up of two parts:
Family Tax Benefit Part A
Family Tax Benefit Part A is the most common payment and is paid per child. It is designed to assist with general day-to-day expenses such as food, clothing, education and activities.
The amount you receive depends on:
- Your family’s combined income
- The number of children in your care
- The age of your children
As your income increases, the payment gradually reduces, ensuring support is targeted where it is most needed.
Family Tax Benefit Part B
Family Tax Benefit Part B provides additional support for families with one main income, as well as single-parent households.
This payment is particularly helpful for:
- Families where one parent is working less or not currently working
- Parents who are caring for young children at home
- Single-income households transitioning back into work
Together, Part A and Part B aim to ease financial pressure and support families through different stages of parenting and employment.
Learn more about Family Tax Benefit.
How Family Tax Benefit Relates to Child Care Costs
It’s important to understand that Family Tax Benefit does not directly reduce childcare fees. Instead, it provides broader financial support that helps families manage overall household expenses.
This is where it works alongside the Child Care Subsidy.
While CCS reduces the cost of childcare at the point of payment, FTB supports your overall budget — helping cover essentials like groceries, bills and daily living costs. This means families can allocate more of their income towards childcare when needed.
For many Gold Coast families, receiving both payments creates a more manageable financial picture, particularly during transitions such as returning to work or increasing work hours.
Understanding the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
The Child Care Subsidy is the primary government support designed specifically to make childcare more affordable.
Unlike FTB, CCS is applied directly to your childcare fees. The subsidy is paid to your childcare provider, reducing the amount you pay out of pocket.
The level of subsidy you receive depends on three key factors:
- Family income: Lower income families generally receive a higher percentage of subsidy
- Activity level: This includes paid work, study, training or volunteering
- Type of childcare service: The service must be approved to receive CCS
For many families, CCS significantly reduces the cost of care, making early learning more accessible.
When planning childcare, it’s important to consider both your CCS entitlement and your overall family support, including FTB.
Learn more about Child Care Subsidy.
Who Is Eligible for Family Tax Benefit?
Eligibility for Family Tax Benefit depends on several criteria, and while it can vary between families, the key requirements generally include:
- Having a dependent child in your care
- Meeting Australian residency requirements
- Falling within the income thresholds
- Providing an appropriate level of care for the child
The amount you receive is means-tested, meaning it adjusts based on your income and circumstances. As your income increases, payments may reduce gradually rather than stopping suddenly.
Families are also required to keep their details up to date, including income estimates and care arrangements, to ensure payments remain accurate.
How Much Can You Receive?
The exact amount of Family Tax Benefit you may receive depends on your individual situation. Factors such as income, number of children, ages and care arrangements all play a role.
Rather than focusing on specific figures, it’s helpful to think of FTB as a flexible support system that adjusts as your family’s needs change.
Even if you’re not eligible for the maximum payment, partial support can still make a meaningful difference, particularly when combined with the Child Care Subsidy.
To get a clearer idea of your entitlement, Services Australia provides online calculators that allow families to estimate their payments based on their circumstances.
How to Apply for Family Tax Benefit
Applying for Family Tax Benefit is typically done online and can be completed in a few simple steps:
- Log in to your myGov account
- Link your account to Centrelink if you haven’t already
- Submit a claim for Family Tax Benefit
- Provide details about your income, family situation and child
Once your claim is processed, payments can begin, depending on your eligibility.
If you’re planning to enrol your child in childcare or return to work, it’s a good idea to apply early so your financial support is in place when you need it.
Planning Childcare on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast continues to see strong demand for quality childcare, making it important for families to plan ahead, both in securing a place and understanding the financial commitment involved.
Knowing how Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy work together allows families to:
- Plan their childcare budget more accurately
- Decide on suitable days and hours of care
- Feel more confident about returning to work
Beyond the financial side, early learning plays an important role in supporting children’s development. Attending a quality early learning centre helps children build social skills, confidence and independence, all of which support a smooth transition into school.
How Jacaranda Early Learning Supports Families
At Jacaranda Early Learning, we understand that navigating childcare costs and government support can feel overwhelming, especially for families new to the system.
Our approach is centred on clear communication and genuine support. We aim to make the process as simple as possible by:
- Providing transparent information about fees and inclusions
- Helping families understand how subsidies may apply to their situation
- Supporting a smooth and stress-free enrolment process
- Creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe and valued
We see ourselves as a partner in your childcare journey, supporting not just your child, but your whole family.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Check your eligibility for both FTB and CCS as early as possible
- Keep your income estimates up to date to avoid unexpected adjustments
- Use online calculators to plan your childcare budget
- Speak with your childcare provider about fees and payment options
- Ask questions – understanding your options can make a big difference
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I receive Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy at the same time?
Yes, many families receive both. They work together to support your overall financial situation and reduce childcare costs.
2. What is the main difference between FTB and CCS?
FTB helps with general family expenses, while CCS is specifically designed to reduce the cost of childcare.
3. Do both parents need to be working to receive support?
Not necessarily. CCS is linked to activity levels, but FTB eligibility is based more on income and family circumstances.
4. What happens if my income changes during the year?
Your payments may be adjusted. It’s important to update your details to ensure you’re receiving the correct amount.
5. How does shared care affect Family Tax Benefit?
Payments may be divided between parents based on the percentage of care each provides.
6. How can I estimate my childcare costs?
You can use government calculators for both FTB and CCS, and speak directly with your childcare provider for fee information.
7. Do I need to confirm my details each year?
Yes, most families need to confirm their income annually, usually through their tax return, to continue receiving payments.
Book a Tour at Jacaranda Early Learning
If you’re exploring childcare options on the Gold Coast and want a centre that supports both your child and your family, we’d love to help.
Book a tour at Jacaranda Early Learning to learn more about our programs, our approach, and how we can support you every step of the way.