British Columbia Childcare Subsidies
Explore if you qualify for subsidy options in British Columbia that may help make early childhood education more accessible for your family.
Understanding CCFRI and ACCB
Available Subsidies in BC
Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) Overview
The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative helps reduce and stabilize child care costs at CEFA schools in British Columbia. Parents do not apply directly. If your child is enrolled in an eligible CEFA school, the reduction is applied based on age and enrollment type, not household income. Families may save up to $900 per child per month through this program.
The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) Overview
The Affordable Child Care Benefit is monthly support for eligible families to help with child care costs. Families apply directly through the provincial government and renew their application each year. Funding is based on household income, family size, the child’s age, and the type of care used. Eligible families may receive up to $1,250 per child per month.
The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) Qualification
To qualify for ACCB, a parent or guardian must be a BC resident with a current BC address and eligible residency status. Families must also use an approved type of child care and have an accepted reason for care, such as work, school, job search, a medical reason, preschool, or referral from a social worker. In general, families with household income under $111,000 may qualify.
Available Funding
Available funding depends on family income, family size, the child’s age, the type of program, and how many days are attended each month. Funding for attendance of fewer than 20 days per month may be prorated, and children with designated special needs may qualify for an additional monthly supplement. Families should apply before the end of the month services are required.
CCFRI Parent Fee Reduction Amounts
Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)
Parent Fee Reduction Amounts
This support helps make child care more affordable for families, with fee reductions of up to $900 per child, per month. Families may also combine CCFRI with other childcare subsidies they qualify for, including the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
The table below shows example full-time parent fee reduction amounts in British Columbia. Ask about receiving this subsidy when enrolling in a CEFA Early Years School.
| Care Category | Group Child Care | Family/In-Home Child Care |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0 – 18 months) | $900 | $600 |
| Toddler (18 – 36 months) | $900 | $600 |
| 3 Years to Kindergarten | $545 | $500 |
| Kindergarten | $320 | $320 |
| Grade 1 to Age 12* | $100 | $220 |
| Preschool | $95 | N/A |
Affordable Child Care Benefit
Criteria
Residency and Citizenship Status
A parent or guardian must be a resident of British Columbia with a current B.C. address, and must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, Convention refugee, or person in need of protection
Type of Care
Most licensed childcare types are eligible, including licensed group childcare. Care provided by a family member in the home and licensed occasional childcare are not eligible.
Reason for Childcare
An approved reason for care is required, such as work, school, job search, a medical reason, preschool, or referral from a social worker.
Income
Income is part of the assessment. In general, families earning up to $111,000 may qualify, with funding based on income and family circumstances.
Application Date
Applications should be submitted before the end of the month care is needed, and a childcare provider must be selected before applying.
ACCB Savings Calculation
The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)
Savings Calculation
For eligible families in British Columbia, ACCB can offer meaningful monthly support toward child care costs, with funding of up to $1,250 per child, per month. The table below shows example maximum monthly funding amounts by care type and age category.
| Group child care / multi-age child care | Maximum monthly funding |
|---|---|
| Children under 19 months | $1,250 |
| Children 19 months and over but under 37 months | $1,060 |
| Children 37 months and over but who have not reached school age | $550 |
| Family child care / in-home multi-age child care | |
|---|---|
| Children under 19 months | $1,250 |
| Children 19 months and over but under 37 months | $1,000 |
| Children 37 months and over but who have not reached school age | $550 |
| Children of school age | $415 |
| Other | |
|---|---|
| Preschool (children 30 months and over but who have not reached school age) | $225 |
| Care surrounding school day (children of school age) | $210 |
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