Overview
Eligible families can apply for child care subsidies if they have children age 0 to Grade 6 enrolled in a:
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licensed facility-based program (daycare, out-of-school care and preschool)
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family day home program overseen by a licensed family day home agency
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group family child care centre
Subsidy rates vary based on the child’s age, family income, the child care program and the number of hours a child attends each month. Types of subsidy include:
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subsidy for children 0 to kindergarten-age (in kindergarten and also attending child care during regular school hours)
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subsidy for children in kindergarten to grade 6 enrolled in a licensed program outside of regular school hours
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preschool subsidy for children enrolled in a licensed preschool program
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extended hours subsidy for children who require care outside regular hours
How to apply
Review your eligibility and apply online for the fastest processing times using a computer, tablet, or mobile phone through the Child Care Subsidy Application.
During your application, you will need to submit the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Consent Applicant Declaration and Acknowledgement form. If you have completed this form in the past, it is not necessary to fill it out again.
Each subsidy starts at the beginning of the month your completed application is received. You can apply as early as the month before your child is starting child care. For example, if your child's start date is September 1, you can apply as early as August 1.
After you apply
If you meet requirements, you will receive a conditional 2-month subsidy after submitting your application while we complete your assessment. If you do not meet the conditional acceptance requirements, you will receive subsidy once your application is officially approved.
You may be required to provide additional documentation to complete your application. We will let you know what documents are required towards the end of the assessment process.