Eligibility and estimate funding
Last updated on June 28, 2024On this page
Eligibility
Specific criteria are used to check if a family qualifies for the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
Residency and citizenship status
A parent or guardian must be a:
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Resident of British Columbia (you must have a current B.C. address)
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Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, Convention refugee or a person in need of protection
The applicant must complete an application and supply the ministry with the social insurance number of the parent and the parent's spouse (if applicable). A SIN that begins with 8,9 or 0, requires supporting documents for proof of Citizenship
Types of care
Most types of child care are eligible. Refer to the rates and understanding payments page for information about funding rates. You can also use the Affordable Child Care Benefit Estimator to see how much funding you may qualify for.
Non-Licensed child care by a family member who lives in the same household with you, or licensed occasional care, or drop in care and recreational care are not eligible for funding.
Reason for child care
Parents must provide one of the following reasons for requiring child care:
- Working or self-employed
- Attending school
- Participating in an employment program
- Looking for work (only one parent or guardian)
- Living with a medical condition that interferes with your ability to care for your child
- Your child is attending licensed preschool
- You have been referred by a Ministry of Children and Family Development or Delegated Aboriginal Agency social worker
Income
Families may be exempt from income testing if they are caring for someone else’s child under a social worker placement.
Application date
Apply for funding before the end of the month in which you need child care. For example, for child care starting September 1, you need to apply by September 30. Once benefits have been issued, a renewal application is required every year or when there is a change in reason for care or circumstance. Use form CF2900 to re-apply.
Estimate your funding
Use the Affordable Child Care Benefit Estimator to see how much funding you may be eligible to receive. This estimation is not a guarantee of payment and should be used as a guide only. It does not consider all individual circumstances.
How funding is calculated
These factors are used to determine funding amounts.
Family size
The number of children who are living at home and whether any of them have a designated support need.
Children who have support needs
Children who have designated support needs and require extra support may be eligible for up to an additional $150 per month towards the cost of child care.
The Affordable Child Care Benefit and support needs supplement cannot be more than the fee charged by the provider. If it is, the support needs supplement amount reduces so that the combined amount is equal to the child care fee.
Type of child care
The type of child care and age of children determines the level of funding.
Amount of care needed
The number of days each week that a child requires care may be a factor in determining the funding amount. The ministry prorates funding for less than 20 days of care each month. Funding may be less for part time care.
Household income
For most families, funding is based on the combined gross annual income of the parents or guardians, less deductions. Deductions can include family size and children who have a designated support need.
Depending on the type of care used:
- Families earning up to approximately $45,000 after adjustments may qualify for full funding
- Families earning approximately $45,000 to $111,000 after adjustments may qualify for partial funding
- Adjustments of $3,000 for children with designated support needs
- Adjustment of $2,000 for each subsequent child after the first two children
The ministry uses your Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment or an income declaration form to calculate your income.