Childcare centre closes due to COVID-19

If your childcare centre closes temporarily due to COVID-19, we may be able to continue paying childcare assistance.

When we can continue to pay childcare

We can continue to pay childcare when the childcare centre has to temporarily close due to COVID-19.

For example, it:

  • is connected to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 and has been instructed to close
  • is not able to operate safely and within public health guidelines
  • temporarily does not have any children needing childcare because of COVID-19.

You also have to still qualify for the childcare assistance payment.

We can continue to pay the childcare assistance whether the childcare provider is charging a fee to hold your child’s place or not.

Childcare centres can open at all traffic light settings, as long as they follow public health guidelines.

Find out more on the Unite Against COVID-19 website

How much we'll pay

We’ll continue to pay childcare assistance at the same rate, unless there’s a change in your circumstances that affects your entitlement.

For example, your:

  • hours of work
  • income.

How to tell us

You don’t need to do anything.

The childcare centre will let us know if they need to close.