Listen to this page. This will open in a new window and will play an audio version of the main content on this page.

Income test for Child Care Benefit

Approved care

To qualify for Child Care Benefit for approved child care, you need to meet an income test. You do not have to meet an assets test. You need to lodge a claim for Child Care Benefit, even at the zero rate, to be eligible for Child Care Rebate.

The amount of Child Care Benefit you can get for approved care depends on your yearly family income. You need to tell us about any changes to your income. Remember that you can update/advise your family income estimate online.

The maximum rate is payable for actual annual family income under $41,026 or families on income support.

Payments reduce to $0 if income is more than these thresholds:

Number of children in care	Income limits before your payment reduces to $0
1	$142,426
2	$147,594
3 or more	$166,656 plus $31,495 for each child after the third

Registered care

To qualify for Child Care Benefit for registered care, you do not have to meet an income or assets test.