The Affordable Child Care Benefit
What is it?
The Affordable Child Care Benefit is a monthly subsidy provided by the provincial (B.C.) government that helps offset the costs of childcare for families.
Who is eligible?
- Parents who are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents
- Families with a combined income of less than $111,000 CAD (some exceptions apply)
Step 1: Apply online
Apply online through the provincial government’s My Family Services portal. You will first need a BCeID (a username and password used to access provincial government websites) to apply for the subsidy.
Step 2: Complete and submit an arrangement form to the Ministry
Once you’ve enrolled, we’ll provide you with a Child Care Arrangement Form detailing your child’s schedule and monthly tuition, as well as our vendor number. Once your portion of the form is completed, it must be submitted to the Child Care Service Centre for approval. Once approved, they will send us a letter detailing the amount and duration of your subsidy, which then will be deducted from your child’s monthly tuition.
Step 3: Receive the subsidy and renew it annually
The Affordable Child Care Benefit must be renewed on an annual basis.
How much will I receive?
The amount provided each month will vary depending on your family’s income, number of children, type of child care (in our case ‘preschool’), your child’s age, and any additional support your child may require. We’ve seen anywhere from $95 to $250 monthly subsidies, although amounts may vary. Approval is not guaranteed.
