Can You Claim a Childcare Subsidy for a Nanny- Educator in 2026?

For busy Australian families, in-home childcare can provide the flexibility and personalised support that traditional services cannot always offer. However, one important question remains: can you claim the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for a Nanny- educator in 2026?

The short answer is yes, but only in specific circumstances.

The CCS may help eligible families access in-home care, but the care must be provided through a government-approved In-Home Care (IHC) service. A private Nanny- educator or au pair engaged directly by your family is not eligible for CCS.

What is In-Home Care?

In-Home Care is an approved form of early childhood education and care delivered in the child’s home. It is designed for families who cannot reasonably access another approved care type, such as centre-based care, family day care or outside school hours care.

According to the Australian Government Department of Education, families must:

• Be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy.
• Show that another approved type of childcare is not available or suitable.
• Meet at least one of the specific IHC eligibility criteria.

The national IHC program is limited to 3,200 places, so eligibility does not automatically guarantee an available place.

Who may qualify for subsidised in-home care?

Your family may be considered for IHC if at least one of the following applies:

1. Non-standard or variable work hours

This may include overnight shifts, rotating rosters, early mornings, late evenings or work patterns that change regularly. IHC may be suitable when local approved services cannot cover the hours your family requires.

2. Geographic isolation

Families living in rural, remote or isolated areas may qualify where distance, transport or a lack of local services makes other approved childcare impractical.

3. Complex or challenging family circumstances

This may include a child with a disability, chronic illness, developmental needs or significant medical requirements. It may also apply where a parent is undergoing serious medical treatment or the family has other circumstances that make mainstream childcare unsuitable.

The assessment focuses on whether another approved care option can safely and appropriately meet your family’s needs.

Private Nanny- educators and au pairs are not covered

The CCS is not a general rebate for employing someone in your home. It is paid through an approved childcare service and reduces the fees charged by that service.

This means you cannot claim CCS for:

• A Nanny- educator you employ privately.
• An au pair engaged directly by your family.
• Care paid directly to an individual outside an approved IHC service.

If your family is assessed for IHC, the educator must be engaged through the approved service delivering that care. Families should confirm the provider’s approval status before making financial or employment arrangements.

How do families apply?

Families generally apply through the relevant IHC Support Agency in their state or territory. The agency will assess your circumstances, supporting information and whether you meet the IHC requirements.

You can review the government’s In-Home Care eligibility information or speak with Placement Solutions for practical guidance about your options. Our team can help you understand whether your circumstances may fit the IHC criteria and explain the difference between approved in-home care and a private arrangement.

What changed in September 2026?

In September 2026, the Federal Government announced an $11 million rescue package for the in-home childcare sector. As reported by ABC News, the package includes:

• $5 million in sustainability support grants.
• $3.4 million to fund a 15% pay rise for in-home care employees.
• $2.7 million in further operational support.

The federal worker retention payment is available to agencies that employ educators. This is relevant to Placement Solutions’ employee model, where Nanny- educators are legally employed by the agency rather than engaged as independent contractors. Employing educators properly supports accountability, workplace protections and consistent professional standards.

A note about newborn overnight care

Families should also understand the difference between a Newborn Care Specialist and a colloquial “night nanny”.

A Newborn Care Specialist remains awake and alert throughout their shift to support feeding, settling and safe sleep practices. A colloquial night nanny may sleep while on duty, depending on the arrangement. These services should not be assumed to qualify for CCS unless they are delivered through an approved IHC service and meet the relevant requirements.

The takeaway

You may be able to claim the Child Care Subsidy for a Nanny- educator in 2026, but only when the care is provided through a government-approved In-Home Care service. Your family must already be CCS-eligible, show that other approved childcare is unavailable or unsuitable, and meet at least one IHC criterion: non-standard work hours, geographic isolation or complex family needs.

Private Nanny- educators and au pairs are not CCS-eligible. If you are unsure where your family fits, contact Placement Solutions for conscientious, informed guidance about approved in-home care and your childcare options.