EXCEL BUDGET WORKBOOK
Plan childcare costs alongside everyday spending.
Compare 3, 4 and 5 childcare days, then see how your chosen option fits into a 12-month household budget.
Actual workbook preview. Figures are illustrative and change with your inputs.
What’s in the workbook
- Childcare comparison: 3, 4 and 5 days for one or two children, using your session fees and hours.
- CCS calculations: standard and higher sibling rates, hourly caps, approved-hour limits and withholding.
- 12-month cash budget: take-home income, FTB cash receipts, household spending and closing cash.
- Instructions and examples: editable inputs, linked worked examples and official rule sources.
Before you buy
Who is this designed for?
Households with one or two children using approved centre-based childcare or outside-school-hours care. It compares the same number of childcare days for each child. Family day care and In Home Care are not included.
Does it calculate Family Tax Benefit?
The workbook estimates CCS and childcare costs. You enter expected FTB cash receipts from an official estimate or Centrelink into the budget. The free website offers an ordinary FTB A/B estimate, with separate limits for complex circumstances.
Does it estimate the financial effect of returning to work?
It helps you budget that decision. Enter your expected take-home income and work-related costs after changing hours. It does not calculate income tax, salary or employment entitlements automatically.
Which rates and software does it use?
The workbook uses a fixed 2026–27 CCS snapshot checked on 30 September 2026. It is designed for Microsoft Excel using standard formulas. Other spreadsheet applications have not been tested. Future rule updates and subscriptions are not included.
Are the payment estimates guaranteed?
No. Eligibility, shared care, debts, absences, age changes and other circumstances can change your result. Services Australia determines actual payments. This is an independent planning tool, not a government service or personalised financial advice.