Updated: 5 December 2022

Service NSW has released an exciting new initiative (The BASC Voucher Program) that gives all families access to a $500 voucher, per child, that will contribute towards the cost of Before School Care, After School Care and Vacation Care.

Starting 28 February 2022, families can claim their voucher via the Services NSW app, or by visiting the [BASC voucher landing page on their website](https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher).

The **good news** is that you are eligible to use this on all Your OSHC and Rocketeers services.
The **great news** is that the voucher only discounts the gap fee, so if you're claiming CCS then the voucher will go even further!
The **best news** is that your child now has the chance to experience even more engaging, tailored activities, and spend even more time hanging out with their friends after school, at no extra cost to you!

Read below for a handy list of Frequently Asked Questions.

**Who is eligible to claim the BASC Vouchers?**

All families with a child enrolled in an OSHC service in New South Wales. If you're not already registered, it's not too late, simply [visit our Parent Portal](https://pp.campaustralia.com.au/), or download the app, and register free with Camp Australia now!

**What services can the BASC Vouchers be used for?**

The vouchers can be used to cover the cost of your parent gap fee for Your OSHC (before and after school care) and Rocketeers (vacation care) sessions.

**How do I claim my voucher/s?**

Claim your eligible voucher/s from Service NSW between 28 February 2022 and 31 January 2023. You can do this via the Service NSW app, or by following the [verification steps on the Service NSW website](https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher).
Once your voucher/s has been claimed, you need to redeem your voucher with Camp Australia (or a participating before and after school care service) by 31 January 2023.

**How do I redeem my BASC voucher/s with Camp Australia?**

Eligible Camp Australia families will be sent instructions on how to claim their $500 vouchers on 28 February 2022. If you register after this date, we will send you an email within 24 hours of the completion of your registration. You can also redeem your voucher through the Parent Portal (via web only) pp.campaustralia.com.au. Go to ‘edit child’ and enter your voucher number.

You must redeem your voucher with Camp Australia by 31 January 2023.

**What happens if I haven’t used all $500 of the voucher at 30 June 2023?**

Any unused value on the BASC vouchers at 30 June 2023 will be repaid to Service NSW on 01 July 2023. 

**How can I see the balance of my voucher/s?**

You can see the balance of your voucher/s on your statements. Alternatively, you can call Customer Care to query your voucher balances.

**Can I claim the voucher with multiple OSHC providers?**

No, you can only claim the voucher with one OSHC provider.

**What time period can the vouchers be used for?**

Vouchers can be used to cover out‐of‐pocket costs between 28 February 2022 and 30 June 2023.

**Can I access the voucher without doing it through the internet?**

You can apply for your voucher at a local Service NSW Centre or Mobile Service Centre. If you are successful in your application, you will be able to print your vouchers there. Once you have your voucher, simply follow the instructions above to redeem it with Camp Australia.

**How does this work between separated parents?**

As per Education NSW website: "Only one voucher can be issued for each child. This means that the first parent to apply for the voucher is the parent who will be issued the voucher for that child, and we encourage parents to come to an agreement in relation to how to use the voucher in their circumstances."

**Where can I go for more information?**

For any questions, reach out to the Department of Education's BASC team at [bascreform@det.nsw.edu.au](mailto:bascreform@det.nsw.edu.au) or on 1300 244 145.

Did you know that all families in NSW can claim a $500 voucher, per child, to contribute toward the cost of Before Care, After Care and our amazing holiday program?!

[NSW] Everything you need to know about Service NSW $500 OSHC Voucher for families

News

## What is Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
 
The government offers assistance to help with the cost of approved childcare. CCS is paid directly to Camp Australia to reduce the fees you pay before you are billed. 

The amount you get depends on your family’s income, the type of childcare you use and the hours you and your partner work and other recognised activities that improve your skills. 
 
 
## Eligibility & criteria
 
The Child Care Subsidy percentage you are entitled to depends on your family’s income. You can visit the <a href="https://servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-claim-child-care-subsidy?context=41186"> Services Australia website</a> to find out how to claim and read about <a href="https://servicesaustralia.gov.au/your-number-children-care-can-affect-your-higher-child-care-subsidy?context=41186">how the number of children in your care can affect your CCS</a>.

 

## What classifies as recognised activity? 
 

- Paid work (including annual leave and parental leave) 

- Self-employment 

- Business start-up 

- Doing unpaid work in the family business 

- Enrolled in approved study or training course 

- Actively seeking work 

- Recognised volunteering 

- Other activities on a case-by-case basis 
 

## Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS)
 
Additional Child Care Subsidy is extra support for some families. This includes grandparents and great grandparents, families moving from an income support payment to work, and those experiencing temporary financial hardship. 

ACCS may also be paid in circumstances where a child is at risk, or has been at risk, of serious abuse or neglect. To discuss further, contact our Customer Care Team on 1300 105 343 for a confidential conversation with a Specialist Team member. 
 
 
## Child Care Subsidy for siblings

You may get a higher CCS if you have more than one child aged 5 or younger in care. This may apply to one or more of your children. 

This means, Centrelink will assess which children get the higher subsidy by working out both the ‘standard rate child’ and the ‘higher rate child’ or the ‘higher rate children’. 

The ‘standard rate child’ is usually your eldest CCS eligible child aged 5 or under (based on your family income estimate). The ‘higher rate child’ refers to your younger eligible child or children, where you’ll get the higher subsidy rate for them. You can get a 30% higher subsidy for your ‘higher rate child’. This is an increase on your standard CCS percentage and will cap this at a maximum of 95%. 

You’ll continue to get the standard rate of CCS if these apply: 
- You have children aged 6 and above 
- You have one child aged 5 or under 

The higher subsidy rate only applies if you have more than one eligible child aged 5 or under. Read [HERE](https://servicesaustralia.gov.au/examples-to-help-you-understand-your-higher-child-care-subsidy?context=41186) for examples to help you understand your higher Child Care Subsidy.

## How to apply for CCS
 
Before you register your child for care, you should [apply for CCS](https://servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-claim-child-care-subsidy?context=41186) as soon as possible; new claims can only be backdated for a maximum of 28 days. 

- If you don’t already have one, [register for a MyGov account](https://my.gov.au/), as this is how the government will communicate with you 

- Complete your [Child Care Subsidy application](https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-claim-child-care-subsidy?context=41186)

- Confirm your activity hours 

- [Create your bookings](https://pp.campaustralia.com.au) with Camp Australia (if you haven’t already) 

- Ensure you have provided Camp Australia with individual DOBs (Date of Birth) and CRNs (Customer Reference Number) for all children, and the parent claiming the Subsidy 

- When prompted by the government, log into your [MyGov account](https://my.gov.au/)and confirm the enrolments for Outside School Hours Care. 
 

## Billing
 
When the CCS has been paid to Camp Australia, it will be applied to each booking prior to your receiving your statement. You will receive an updated invoice if your balance increases due to CCS recalculations. 

If your CCS has not been applied, has changed, or has recently been removed, it may be due to the following reasons: 

- Your activity test results have expired 

- You have recently updated your activity test and your CCS is being recalculated 

- You have submitted an ACCS claim which is currently pending 

- You have not yet confirmed your Camp Australia enrolment 

- Your ACCS claim has ended/expired 

- Your child has not attended a Camp Australia service for 14 continuous weeks 

- Your child has not attended a Camp Australia service for 14 continuous weeks and the enrolment has been ceased 

- Your child has not yet physically attended a Camp Australia service 

- You have exceeded your Allowable Absences (the threshold is 52 absent bookings per child, per financial year) 

- From 11 July 2022, children who haven’t attended a session of care in 26 consecutive weeks will no longer be eligible for Child Care Subsidy 
 

## Things to remember
 

- Your Child Care Subsidy application must be approved by Centrelink before CCS will be applied 

- Your Camp Australia account must be formalised, and your enrolment confirmed for CCS to be paid 

- Changes in circumstances or extended periods of absence may result in recalculation of your CCS

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Explained

Blog

Escape the ordinary and experience the extraordinary with Rocketeers. Our open and inclusive crew truly understands that the school holidays are for children and are meant to be fun. Every school holiday break is a new Mission for children to embark upon, and every day is a new adventure.

Rocketeers

Tailored activities in Your OSHC engage children, allowing them to follow their interests and try new experiences before and after school. Every activity is designed for children to develop their confidence and curiosity

News & Blog

Articles related to My Fees & The Child Care Subsidy

[NSW] Everything you need to know about Service NSW $500 OSHC Voucher for families

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Explained