From 1 July 2023, families using child care must pay the gap fee using electronic means.
The gap fee is the difference between the provider’s fee and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) amount. Electronic funds transfer, or EFT, is when a customer pays a bill using electronic means.
This change will help the government protect CCS against fraud and non-compliance.
Most services already accept EFT payments. This is because it’s safer for staff and easier to administer.
Similarly, over 98% of families already use EFT to pay their gap fee. Most families get salaries or benefits electronically, making it easy to pay the gap fee using EFT.
Exemptions will apply in limited circumstances. The Department of Education will provide more information about exemptions soon.
Read more about the changes on the Department of Education website.