The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.A.05 Absences (CCS, ACCS)

Definition

Absences occur when a child does not attend a session of care (1.1.S.40) they would have normally attended at their approved child care service (1.1.A.90), and the family is charged for that care.

If a child is absent from one or more sessions of care on a day, the absence is counted only once. For example, if a child is absent from both before and after school care on the same day, only one absence is counted.

Each child is allowed an initial 42 absence days from care for which CCS can be paid across all child care services during each financial year. These 42 allowable absences (4.7.1) can be used for any reason, including public holidays, and do not require supporting documentation. Once the 42 allowable absences are used, CCS and ACCS is only payable for valid additional absences (4.7.2).

Act reference: FAAct section 10(1) Basic rule about when a session of care is provided

Policy reference: FA Guide 4.7 CCS & ACCS absences, 4.7.1 CCS & ACCS allowable absences

Last reviewed: