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.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
You are eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit if you:
- …are Canadian citizens or permanent resident
- …have a combined income of less than $111,000 CAD (some exceptions apply)
At least one parent must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, regardless of whether the child is Canadian or not.
Step 2: Apply for Funding (Application Form)
Apply online using My Family Services
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.
Apply by Mail or Fax:
To apply for funding by mail or fax you’ll need to download and complete a CF2900 application form, which provides information about your family and child. Before you submit this form, be sure to request an arrangement form from us, which is a separate form that provides details about your child’s enrollment and fees. It’s best to submit both forms to the ministry at the same time.
Mail
Child Care Service Centre
PO Box 9953 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC V8W 9R3
Fax
Include a cover page
1-877-544-0699
Step 3: Request an Arrangement Form from us
Once you’ve applied for funding (either online using My Family Services or by completing the CF2900 application form), you’ll need to request an Arrangement Form from our director, which provides details your child’s enrollment and fees. We will complete sections 1 – 4, and our director will provide a signature, then you’ll need to complete sections 5 – 8.
Step 4: Complete and submit an arrangement form to the Ministry
Once completed, submit the arrangement form, along with your CF2900 application form, to the ministry and wait for approval.
The ministry will review your application and supporting documents to determine if you are eligible and how much you may receive. Once approved, you will receive a benefit plan. The plan will include your monthly benefit amount, and start and end date of the monthly benefit payments.
After you apply, you can log in to My Family Services to review messages about the status of your application.
Step 5: Receive the subsidy and renew it annually
The Affordable Child Care Benefit must be renewed on an annual basis. The ministry recommends that you renew your benefit 30 days in advance of your plan expiry date. You can find your plan expiry date on the eligibility assessment letter in My Family Services.
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.
