Tasmanian Student Childcare Subsidy (TasTAFE)

What Is This Payment?

Childcare can be a major barrier to study for parents. The Student Childcare Subsidy helps full-time TasTAFE students meet some of that cost so they can keep attending.

The rule database tags this as a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. The actual amount you receive depends on what you spend on childcare, so the questionnaire confirms eligibility rather than predicting a precise figure.

The subsidy reimburses 25% of approved childcare costs, up to a cap of $400 per student per year, and is paid subject to the funds available in the program.

How Much Can You Get?

The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none because the payment depends on your own childcare spend. The program reimburses 25% of approved childcare costs, capped at $400 per student per year, subject to available funds.

• 25% reimbursement of approved childcare costs.
• Capped at $400 per student per year.
• Subject to available funds in the program.

Eligibility Conditions

The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.

1. Tasmanian resident: state = TAS.
2. Full-time student: full_time_tertiary_or_tafe_student = true — you study full time at tertiary or TAFE level.
3. Approved childcare: approved_child_care = true — you use approved childcare while studying.

Because the subsidy reimburses a share of what you actually spend, keep your childcare receipts so the 25% can be calculated up to the $400 cap.

The program is paid from a limited pool, so applying early in the year is sensible. TasTAFE (phone 1300 655 307) administers the subsidy and can confirm current arrangements.

How To Apply

The channel is a form through TasTAFE.

• Complete the Student Childcare Subsidy application form through TasTAFE.
• Provide details of your full-time enrolment and your approved childcare costs.
• Contact TasTAFE on 1300 655 307 for the current form and reimbursement process.

Read the official Tasmanian Student Childcare Subsidy guidance

Rule-Based Scenarios

Scenario 1: a parent studying full time

Tara studies a full-time TasTAFE diploma and uses approved childcare. With $1,600 in childcare costs, 25% would be $400, so she reaches the annual cap.

Scenario 2: lower childcare spend

Daniel spends $1,000 on approved childcare while studying full time, so his 25% reimbursement is $250 — under the $400 cap.

Scenario 3: part-time study

Because the subsidy requires full-time study, a part-time student would not meet the eligibility condition under this rule.

Scenario 4: childcare not approved

Mei uses an informal carer rather than approved childcare, so the subsidy does not apply until approved childcare is used.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting a flat $400: the subsidy reimburses 25% of your costs up to $400; you only reach the cap if your spend is high enough.
• Studying part time: the rule requires full-time tertiary or TAFE study.
• Using non-approved childcare: only approved childcare counts towards the subsidy.
• Not keeping receipts: you need evidence of childcare costs for the 25% to be calculated.
• Applying too late: the subsidy is subject to available funds, so apply early in the year.
• Assuming it replaces the federal subsidy: this is a state TAFE subsidy; check it alongside any federal Child Care Subsidy you receive.

Related Benefits

• Tasmanian TasTAFE Tuition Fee Concession — reduced course fees for card holders.
• Tasmanian Fee-Free TAFE — free training places at TasTAFE for eligible students.
• Tasmanian Student Accommodation Allowance — $1,472 a year for Year 11-12 students living away.
• Tasmanian Kindergarten and Working Together — free early learning for young children.
• Additional Child Care Subsidy — federal top-up childcare help for families in need.
• Child Care Subsidy — the main federal subsidy towards approved childcare fees.

Frequently Asked Questions