Childcare Subsidy
For qualifying families, subsidies are available to help cover the expense of child care.
Overview
Eligible families can apply for child care subsidies if they have children age 0 to Grade 6 enrolled in a:
- licensed facility-based program (daycare, out-of-school care and preschool)
- family day home program overseen by a licensed family day home agency
- group family child care centre
Subsidy rates vary based on the child’s age, family income, the child care program and the number of hours a child attends each month. Types of subsidy include:
- subsidy for children 0 to kindergarten-age (in kindergarten and also attending child care during regular school hours)
- subsidy for children in kindergarten to grade 6 enrolled in a licensed program outside of regular school hours
- preschool subsidy for children enrolled in a licensed preschool program
- extended hours subsidy for children who require care outside regular hours
Affordability Supports
Important changes
The new federal-provincial child care agreement will make child care more affordable in Alberta beginning in January 2022. Fees will be reduced in two ways: through greater subsidies and through affordability grants.
The subsidy for children aged 0 to kindergarten (in kindergarten and also attending child care during regular school hours) has been increased to accommodate households earning up to $180,000 per year.
Affordability grants will also be provided directly to child care operators so they can further lower fees for all families. Parents do not need to apply to benefit from the grant fee reduction.
Apply for Subsidy
Examine your eligibility and apply online using a computer, tablet, or mobile phone for the quickest processing times via the Child Care Subsidy Application.
You must send the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Consent Applicant Declaration and Acknowledgement form with your application. If you have previously completed this form, you do not need to do so again.
Each subsidy begins at the start of the month in which your full application is received. You can apply as soon as a month before your child begins child care. If your child’s start date is September 1, for example, you can apply as early as August 1.
