Amount payable during COVID-19 absence or closure

If a fee is charged, Early Learning Payment will be paid based on the child's enrolled hours and the fee charged by the centre.

Multiply the hourly fee (up to a maximum of $10.02 as at 1 April 2026) by the enrolled hours (up to a maximum of 20 hours per week).

If no fee is charged, Early Learning Payment will continue at the usual weekly amount before the absence or closure.

Note if during an absence or closure, the client decides their child will not return, payment must be stopped.

If a change in circumstance happens during an absence or closure, the Early Learning Payment must be reviewed, and the rate of payment may change.