How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy in BC

Many British Columbia parents have primary concerns when it comes to financing their child's early education in the form of childcare and early learning. That is why it is of vast importance to have all the information at hand to assist you if finances are of a concern to your family. One great option that is readily available in BC is that of Child Care Subsidy, and here is where you will find all the answers to all of your questions regarding what the program is, and how you can apply!

What is Child Care Subsidy?

You may be asking yourself, what exactly Child Care Subsidy is. Child Care Subsidy is a monthly payment that is sent to eligible families to assist them with the cost of their child care. Each monthly subsidiary payment is reflected based upon each individual family's unique circumstance.

Are You Eligible for Child Care Subsidy

Several of the eligibility requirements are that you must be a resident of British Columbia. You must also be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, a Convention refugee, or a person who is in need of protection. Additionally, you must have an eligible child care provider or arrangement which is provide in British Columbia (eligible providers are licensed, registered license not-required, license not-required or care is in your child's own home care). Finally, you and/or your spouse must have at least one of the following reasons in which child care is needed; employment or self-employment, education programs or distance learning, unemployment or attending an employment program, a medical condition that interferes with your ability to care for your child, having a child who attends licensed preschool, or if your family has been referred by Delegated Aboriginal Agency social worker or Ministry of Children and Family Development. You may determine your eligibility by completing an application, or by using the Eligibility guideline which is available online here: Eligibility Guideline.

How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy in British Columbia

To be accepted for the Child Care Subsidy, you will have to apply by way of application, as well as will provide requested documentation that will be sent to you by Child Care Subsidy Service Center. Your current child care provider will also be asked to fill out and sign their portion of the form as well.

To begin the process be sure to start with the application, which can be found at: Childcare Subsidy Application Form.

Application submissions can be sent to:

Child Care Subsidy Service Center
PO Box 9953 Stn. Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9R3

Fax: 1-877-544-0699

Once you application has been completed and accepted the Child Care Subsidy Service Center will review your application to determine eligibility. If your family, as well as your childcare provider, is accepted, you will receive all further information in the mail regarding your monthly financial eligibility as well as the length of time of which you are granted. If you are not accepted, you will additionally receive a letter of reason(s) why your application was denied.

If your circumstances should change during the course of your Subsidy eligibility, please contact Child Care Subsidy Service Center, to inform them of the changes. Such circumstances may include a change in job, address, number of dependents, marital status, or change in income. Failure to report such changes may in turn result in an offense under the Child Care Subsidy Act and may result in the revocation of your benefits, as well as a recovery of fees that you were granted and potentially legal action.
For further information, be sure to visit: BC Childcare Subsidy Information