Ontario Daycare Subsidy – Everything You Need to Know! Check Eligibility & Apply Today
In Ontario, the “child care fee subsidy” program helps families afford child care costs. Depending on available funding, it covers a portion of the licensed child care expenses for eligible families. This subsidy is essential for many families, allowing parents to work, attend school, or participate in training programs while managing their professional and family responsibilities.
Check this page to learn about the Ontario Daycare Subsidy, including 2023 eligibility requirements. Qualifying families can apply for the Ontario Daycare Subsidy through their local service system manager. To receive a fee subsidy, several conditions must be met: the availability of subsidy funds in the service system manager’s budget, the existence of a purchase of service agreement with the child care operator, and the availability of space in a child care program.
Discover the Ontario Daycare Subsidy
Ontario Region offers a Child Care Fee Subsidy to help families with low and moderate incomes access affordable child care for children under the age of 13. This first-come, first-served program reduces the amount families need to pay registered child care providers. The subsidy can partially cover the cost of full-day care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. It is also available to families with school-age children to help cover the cost of full-day care during PA days and school breaks, as well as before and after school on instructional days, if the children are enrolled year-round.
Local Service System Managers (SSM) manage child care cost subsidies in their areas with funding from the government. Eligible children include those enrolled in licensed child care, before and after school programs run by school boards, approved recreational and skill-building programs, and camps that meet the requirements outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and its regulations.
2023 Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy Details Revealed
| Program Name | Child Care Fee Subsidy |
| Province | Ontario |
| Country | Canada |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Eligibility | Check below |
| Official Website | ontario.ca |
Are You Eligible for the 2023 Ontario Daycare Subsidy?
Families in Ontario who want to enroll their children in approved recreation programs (for children ages 6 to 12) or licensed center-based or home child care (for infants to 12 years old) may be eligible for child care subsidies. To qualify for the Child Care Subsidy, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a residence in Ontario
- Be the child’s biological parent, legal guardian, interim parent, or relative
- The child must live in the same household
- Submit an annual Federal Tax Return
- Have a demonstrated need for child care and early learning programs
- Have an income at or below the specified limits
This subsidy helps make child care more accessible and affordable for families in need.
| Family Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 persons | CAD 43,000 |
| 3 persons | CAD 53,000 |
| 4 persons | CAD 61,000 |
| 5 persons | CAD 68,000 |
| 6 persons | CAD 74,500 |
| 7 persons | CAD 80,500 |
How to Apply for the Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy
Read the eligibility requirements for the Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy to determine if you can apply. For more information, visit ontario.ca or contact your caseworker via phone or email if you receive Ontario Works.
Use the Child Care Fee Subsidy calculator to assess your eligibility based on your income.
To apply for the Child Care Fee Subsidy, register on the Children’s Services Portal. If you are reapplying and already have an account, contact the official website to start your Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy Application Form 2023. Notify your Children’s Services Representative by phone or email once your account is set up. You can communicate directly with your representative using the portal’s Two-Way Messaging tool.
Complete the necessary paperwork and upload the required documents for the Fee Subsidy. Once your application and documents are received, you will be added to a waitlist for fee subsidies.
When your name reaches the top of the list, you will be contacted to schedule an eligibility meeting. If you meet the qualifying criteria, you will be informed of the amount you need to pay the provider and granted approval for the fee subsidies.
To maintain your fee subsidies, you must comply with the terms of the Parent Agreement, which includes participating in an annual review.
Latest 2023 Update on Ontario Child-Care Subsidies
Lower child care costs are expected to significantly increase demand, according to projections from the Ontario government. Although the provinces are discussing expanding the number of spaces, a substantial labor shortage is likely due to low pay and benefits in this sector and a lack of investment in physical space. Consequently, demand increases will likely outpace supply increases.
Instead of reducing inequalities in opportunities and outcomes for their children, Ontario’s current implementation strategy for early learning agreements and child care risks pushing disadvantaged families further behind. The Government of Ontario must work harder to remove barriers preventing low-income families from receiving child care subsidies to prevent this.
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