Plan baby and childcare scenarios, then check school and payment requirements
A family plan brings together several separate decisions: care or school access, healthcare, cash costs and eligibility for assistance. Start with the decision you need to make, then collect the relevant dates, quotes and official requirements. A calculator’s numerical result does not establish eligibility.
Use the baby tool for editable cost assumptions, the childcare tool for one standard-rate child and the school finder as a route to official state directories. Keep confirmed costs separate from uncertain support. For school-aged children, check the address, visa-fee rules and enrolment process with the education authority before relying on a school place. Keep provider offers and official assessments beside the budget.
School rules are state-based. Fees, class sizes, catchments and enrolment documents can vary by state, sector and individual school.
| Option | Confirm before relying on it | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Government school | Catchment, enrolment evidence, visa-related tuition and additional costs | Open the state education authority through our school directory and check the exact address and visa. |
| Catholic or independent school | Place availability, admission criteria, tuition, levies and notice terms | Request the school’s current fee schedule and written offer; compare total costs and travel. |
| Selective or specialist program | Selection process, entry year, application dates and local eligibility | Read the specific program’s official application requirements before planning around a place. |
| Preschool or kindergarten | Age entry, funded-program eligibility, hours and fees | Check the state program and service terms separately from CCS eligibility. |
Reviewed 30 September 2026. School information: official state directory routes. Family assistance sources: Services Australia FTB Part A rates | Services Australia CCS income test | Services Australia CCS changes | Services Australia Newborn Supplement
Build an editable baby-cost scenario from your own assumptions.
Model one standard-rate child using billed hours, school-age caps and withholding.
Open official school directory and enrolment routes; places and fees require confirmation.
Related tools from other pillars
Estimate your Parenting Payment (Single or Partnered) based on income and eligibility.
Use these examples to decide whether to start with school, childcare or Centrelink.
A new PR family should find the local public school catchment first, then compare nearby Catholic and independent options only if commute and fees make sense. They will usually need passports, visa evidence, immunisation records and proof of address. Start with the School Finder, then call schools directly.
With more than one child, check whether higher-child CCS applies and obtain a calculation for each eligible child. The Childcare Calculator deliberately models only one standard-rate child. Eligible families have at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight from 5 January 2026; booked hours, caps and withholding still affect the bill.
A pregnant temporary visa holder should check Medicare first, then hospital cost, private cover waiting periods and whether Parental Leave Pay or Newborn Supplement could apply. If they are on a partner provisional visa, some family payments may be possible but NARWP matters. Use the Baby Cost Calculator.
Family finances go hand-in-hand with understanding your money and health options.
Money & Tax Health & Medicare