Understanding Childcare Subsidies in British Columbia
Childcare costs can be an important consideration for families. British Columbia offers funding programs that may help eligible families reduce the cost of licensed childcare.
At Petits Pals Childcare, we want families to have a clear understanding of the childcare funding options that may be available to them.
Two important programs families may want to explore are the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) and the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB).
Childcare Funding Options in BC
British Columbia has two major childcare funding programs that may help families with eligible childcare costs.
Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)
CCFRI helps reduce childcare fees for eligible families using participating licensed childcare providers.
Families do not apply directly for this reduction. When a childcare provider participates in the program, the applicable reduction is reflected in eligible childcare fees.
- No direct parent application is required
- Reduction is based on the child’s age and care type
- Household income is not used to determine the CCFRI reduction
- Eligible families may receive reductions of up to $900 per child per month
Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)
ACCB provides monthly financial assistance to eligible families to help with the cost of childcare.
Families apply directly through the provincial government, and eligibility is assessed using family circumstances and other criteria.
- Families apply directly
- Household income is considered
- Family size and child’s age may affect funding
- Eligible families may receive up to $1,250 per child per month
Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
The Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative is designed to make licensed childcare more affordable for families across British Columbia.
Unlike income-tested benefits, CCFRI reductions are generally determined by the child's age, the type of childcare, and the enrollment arrangement.
Families using an eligible participating provider do not need to submit a separate CCFRI application.
What Families Should Know
- CCFRI is applied through participating childcare providers.
- The reduction is not based on household income.
- The amount can vary according to age and care type.
- CCFRI may be combined with other eligible childcare assistance.
Example Fee Reduction Amounts
The following examples reflect full-time parent fee reduction amounts published for British Columbia. Actual reductions depend on eligibility and care arrangements.
| Care Category | Group Childcare | Family / In-Home Childcare |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
These amounts are provided as a general reference. Program rules and funding amounts can change.
Affordable Child Care Benefit
The Affordable Child Care Benefit is an income-based childcare assistance program for eligible families in British Columbia.
Families apply directly through the provincial government. Funding is assessed using household income, family size, the child's age, type of childcare, and other qualifying circumstances.
per child, per month for eligible families, depending on care type and circumstances.
Who May Qualify for ACCB?
Eligibility is determined by the provincial program. Families generally need to meet several requirements.
Residency & Status
A parent or guardian generally needs to live in British Columbia and meet the applicable residency and immigration-status requirements.
Approved Childcare
The family must use a qualifying childcare arrangement. Many licensed childcare settings are eligible.
Reason for Care
An approved reason may include employment, school, job search, a medical reason, preschool, or another qualifying circumstance.
Household Income
Household income is part of the assessment and can affect the amount of assistance available.
Application Timing
Families should submit their application before the end of the month in which childcare assistance is required.
Family Circumstances
Family size, the child's age, attendance, childcare type, and other circumstances may affect funding.
How ACCB Funding Is Determined
ACCB support is assessed using information about the family and the childcare arrangement.
Household income, family size, the child's age, type of childcare, and the number of days of care can all affect the amount available.
Families attending fewer than 20 days in a month may receive a prorated amount. Children with designated special needs may also qualify for additional support under applicable program rules.
Families with household income around this level may qualify depending on their individual circumstances.
Eligibility and funding are determined by the provincial program.Example Maximum Monthly Funding
The following figures provide a general reference for maximum monthly ACCB funding by childcare type and age.
| Child’s Age | Maximum Monthly Funding |
|---|---|
| Under 19 months | $1,250 |
| 19 months to under 37 months | $1,060 |
| 37 months to school age | $550 |
| Child’s Age | Maximum Monthly Funding |
|---|---|
| Under 19 months | $1,250 |
| 19 months to under 37 months | $1,000 |
| 37 months to school age | $550 |
| School age | $415 |
| Care Type | Maximum Monthly Funding |
|---|---|
| Preschool | $225 |
| Care surrounding the school day | $210 |
Maximum funding is subject to the family's eligibility, care arrangement, attendance and current provincial program rules.
Ready to Explore Your Childcare Funding Options?
Choosing a childcare program is an important decision. If you are considering Petits Pals Childcare, our team can help answer questions about programs, availability, tuition, and the information you may need when exploring childcare funding.
Important Information for Families
Childcare funding programs, eligibility requirements, and maximum funding amounts can change. The information on this page is intended as a general guide for families exploring childcare subsidies in British Columbia.
Eligibility is determined by the applicable provincial program. Families should confirm current requirements, application procedures, and funding directly with the Government of British Columbia before making financial decisions.