FAQs

Direct Gap Fee Collection refers to the process where families pay the out-of-pocket (gap) fee directly to the In Home Care Provider, while the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) portion is paid to the service by the government.

As part of the Direct Gap Fee Collection requirement, In Home Care providers will be responsible for the direct collection of Child Care Subsidy (CCS) gap fees. This means In Home Care educators will no longer be able to collect gap fees from families on behalf of the provider.

Services must transition to the Direct Gap Fee Collection model by 1 January 2026 to remain compliant with CCS funding requirements.

Services that fail to comply with the new requirement may risk losing their CCS approval, which could impact their ability to operate.

This approach ensures compliance with government regulations, prevents fraudulent claims, and increases financial transparency.

Yes, services must comply with government guidelines regarding gap fee collection to maintain CCS eligibility.

No, cash payments are not allowed for gap fee collection under the compliance rules to ensure traceability and financial transparency.

Services should maintain records of invoices, receipts, payment confirmations, and any correspondence related to fee collection for auditing purposes.

The Department of Education and Services Australia may conduct audits and require services to provide financial records proving that families are paying the correct gap fee.

Services must transition to the Direct Gap Feel Collection model by 1 January 2026 to ensure compliance with the Family Assistance Law and Child Care Subsidy requirements.