top of page

What is Child Care Subsidy?

​

The Child Care Subsidy is a government payment that reduces families out-of-pocket costs for childcare, Each family’s Child Care Subsidy covers a percentage of the childcare center’s daily fees.  This subsidy percentage is paid directly to childcare providers and then passed on to families as a fee reduction on their invoice. Families pay the gap fee between the daily fees charges and the subsided amount.

Our center has been registered for the Child Care Subsidy Program. If you’re new to childcare, we recommend that you apply for the claim as soon as possible, so that you understand your eligibility and can confidently enrol at a childcare center. 

Subsidy

Alberta Childcare Subsidy is a program that assists eligible families with childcare costs for their children attending regulated child care programs. A Child Care Subsidy assists eligible families with children 0 to 12 years of age (and not yet in Grade 7) to pay childcare costs—with one of these subsidies per child:

Subsidy is an income based support program and you may qualify for full or partial subsidy based on your circumstance, including if you are looking for work, are attending school, or you or your child have a special need.

You must apply for this funding, but it will be paid directly to your program. 

​

NOTE: As of 2022, the income threshold for subsidy has been increased significantly. Families with a combined income of up to $179,999 are now eligible!

Rates 

Subsidy rates vary by program type as well as the age of the child attending childcare. The subsidy rate is determined mainly by three factors:

  1. Gross household income

  2. Type of childcare program

  3. Number of hours the child attends per month

Subsidy for Licensed Childcare

Family Income

Subsidy Amount for Full Time (100+ hrs)

$0 to $119,999

​

$120,000 to $124,999

​

$125,000 to $129,999

​

$130,00 to $134,999

​

$135,000 to $139,000

​

$140,000 to $144,999

​

$145,000 to $149,999

​

$150,000 to $154,999

​

$155,000 to $159,999

​

$160,000 to $164,999

​

$165,000 to $169,999

​

$170,000 to $174,999

​

$175,000 to $179,999

$266

​

$253

​

$239

​

$226

​

$213

​

$200

​

$186

​

$173

​

$160

​

$146

​

$133

​

$120

​

$106

How to Apply for Alberta Childcare Subsidy

You can apply online up to one month prior to care. Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

  1. A valid MyAlberta Digital ID account

  2. The name of your day care center  (NOT the individual educator)

  3. The following information for yourself and your spouse/partner:

  • Your most recent Notice of Assessment (from your income taxes)

  • Income (line 15000)Medical expenses (line 33199)

  • Education expenses (line 32000)

  • Social insurance number

  • Signed consent form allowing the AB Government to access your information with the CRA (to verify your information) – this form is provided during the online application

Federal Childcare Affordability Grant

The Affordability Grant is federal funding that is part of Alberta’s agreement with the federal government to reduce the average cost of childcare to $10/day by 2026.

​

This funding is not income based like the Alberta Subsidy, but rather based on your child’s/children’s age(s) and the hours of care they receive. Like the Alberta Subsidy, this funding is only available through regulated childcare programs.

We apply for this funding on your behalf and apply it directly to your fees.

Affordability Grant  for Licensed Childcare

19 months - under 3 years 

3 years -Kindergarten

Full Time 

                          $510                                     $450      

See the full table here.

bottom of page