Skip to main content
Skip navigation

Fee Assistance

The Federal Government provides families with some financial assistance to reduce the cost of childcare.

Child Care Benefit

The Child Care Benefit is a payment to help families who use approved and registered childcare. Eligibility for the benefit is means tested. To find out if you are eligible or to register for Child Care Benefit contact the Family Assistance Office.

Families need to register with the Family Assistance Office in order to receive reduced childcare fees and to be eligible to receive the Child Care Tax Rebate. This registration requires families to provide the Family Assistance Office with the Provider Reference Number of the childcare service. The Family Assistance Office subsequently advises the childcare service of the level of Child Care Benefit to be applied to each registered child. Fees cannot be reduced unless the childcare service receives written advice from the Family Assistance Office.

The Provider Reference Numbers for Willoughby City Council Children's Services are:

  • Artarmon Children’s Centre - 555-001-392J
  • Devonshire Street Children's Centre - 555-000-793V
  • Willoughby/Lane Cove Family Day Care - 555-001-491V
  • Artarmon Before/After School Care - 555-006-645C
  • Naremburn After School Care - 555-006-664S
  • Chatswood After school Care - 555-006-737K
  • Artarmon Vacation Care - 555-010-813A
  • Chatswood Vacation Care - 555-010-798X
  • Bales Park Vacation Care - 555-010-792A

More details can be obtained about the Child Care Benefit by visiting the Family Assistance Office or phoning 13 61 50.

Child Care Rebate

The 50% child care tax rebate covers 50% of a family’s out-of-pocket child care expenses for approved child care. Even if a family receives no actual fee reduction, they must be registered for the Child Care Benefit to receive the tax rebate. Payments can be received quarterly or on an annual basis. Eligibility criteria applies. More information about the child care rebate is available from the Australian Taxation Office or by calling 13 61 50.