DESE reminds ECEC providers of 2018/19 CCS balancing deadlines

The Department of Employment, Skills and Education (DESE) has reminded providers of the upcoming deadline for families to update their income information for the 2018-19 financial year.

Families who fail to update their income information by 31 March 2021 will no longer receive child care subsidy (CCS), and will be charged full fees for sessions of care. 

The 31 March deadline is an extension of the typical end of financial year deadline (30 June 2020) in recognition of the challenging circumstances brought by COVID-19. 

Services Australia will communicate to families via letter this week, reminding them to confirm their income, however given that some families may be unfamiliar with this process, DESE have asked that early childhood education and care (ECEC) service providers encourage families to review the information sent by Services Australia.

Families who confirm their income after 31 March will have their CCS recommence, however there will be no back payments for the full fee period. 

A fact sheet has been prepared to support families to understand the process. Further guidance about the balancing process for providers can be found here. 

Further questions from families should be directed to Services Australia.