How to Apply for BC Child Care Subsidy (ACCB)

Child care is one of the biggest expenses for families in British Columbia, and for newcomers adjusting to life in Canada, the cost can be particularly challenging. The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) is a provincial subsidy that helps families reduce their child care costs. This guide explains how the ACCB works, who is eligible, and how to apply.

What Is the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)?

The Affordable Child Care Benefit is a monthly subsidy paid by the Province of British Columbia to help eligible families with the cost of child care. Unlike some other provinces that provide child care subsidies through a single federal program, BC has its own provincial benefit that works alongside the federal Canada-wide early learning and child care system. The ACCB is income-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your family's income.

The benefit is paid directly to your child care provider, reducing the amount you pay out of pocket each month. For more information about child care benefits in BC, see our detailed guide on the Affordable Child Care Benefit in BC.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the ACCB, you must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: You must be a resident of British Columbia.
• Child's age: Your child must be under 19 years of age (though most child care programs serve children under 13).
• Child care type: Your child must be enrolled in a licensed or registered licence-not-required child care program in BC.
• Reason for child care: You need child care because you are working, looking for work, attending school or training, have a medical condition, or have other eligible reasons.
• Income: Your eligibility and benefit amount are based on your family's adjusted net income from your most recent tax return.
• Tax filing: Both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed your Canadian income tax returns for the previous year.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, convention refugees, and some other protected persons are eligible. Temporary residents may also be eligible in certain situations. Check the BC ACCB eligibility page for the most current information.

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount of the ACCB depends on several factors:

• Your family income: Lower-income families receive higher subsidies. Families with incomes below approximately $45,000 per year may qualify for the maximum benefit.
• Type of child care: Different rates apply for licensed family child care, licensed group child care, and registered licence-not-required child care.
• Your child's age: Rates vary for infants and toddlers (under 36 months), children aged 3 to kindergarten-age, school-age children, and children with special needs.
• Full-time or part-time care: The benefit amount is different for full-time and part-time care.

For example, a family with an income of $40,000 using licensed group child care for a toddler could receive a substantial monthly subsidy. You can use the ACCB estimator tool on the BC government website to calculate your potential benefit.

How to Apply

Step 1: File Your Income Tax Return

Before you can apply for the ACCB, you and your spouse or partner must have filed your most recent Canadian income tax return. This is how the Ministry verifies your family income. If you are a newcomer who has not yet filed a tax return, you may need to file for the first time or provide an estimate of your income.

Step 2: Find a Licensed or Registered Child Care Provider

Your child must be enrolled in an eligible child care program. This includes licensed child care centres, licensed family child care homes, and registered licence-not-required child care providers. You will need the name and licence number of your child care provider for your application.

Step 3: Complete the Application

You can apply for the ACCB online through the BC ACCB application page. You will need:

• Your personal information (name, date of birth, social insurance number).
• Your spouse or partner's information (if applicable).
• Your child's information (name, date of birth).
• Your child care provider's information (name, licence number, facility type).
• Information about your child care schedule (full-time or part-time, hours per day).
• Your reason for needing child care (employment, school, medical, etc.).

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After you submit your application, the Ministry will review it and verify your information, including your income. This process typically takes several weeks. You will receive a letter informing you of the decision and the amount of your benefit.

Step 5: Benefit Payments Begin

If your application is approved, the ACCB is paid directly to your child care provider. Your provider will then reduce the amount they charge you by the subsidy amount. This means you only pay the difference between the actual child care fee and the subsidy.

BC Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative

In addition to the ACCB, BC has a Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) that reduces fees at participating licensed child care facilities. This initiative reduces fees by a set amount per day, regardless of family income. Many licensed child care providers in BC participate in this program, which means you benefit from both the fee reduction and the ACCB subsidy.

Between the ACCB and the CCFRI, many families in BC pay significantly less for child care than the full market rate. Some low-income families may pay very little or nothing for licensed child care.

What If Your Situation Changes?

If your income, employment, child care arrangements, or family situation changes, you must report these changes to the Ministry. Changes can affect your benefit amount. For example:

• If your income increases significantly, your benefit may decrease.
• If you switch child care providers, you need to update your application.
• If you no longer need child care, you should cancel your benefit.
• If your family size changes (new baby, separation, etc.), update your information.

Other Child Care Resources

Beyond the ACCB, there are other resources available to help families with child care in BC:

• BC Child Care Resource and Referral centres: These centres can help you find child care in your area and provide information about available programs.
• Special needs supplements: If your child has special needs, additional funding may be available to support their child care.
• Federal Canada Child Benefit (CCB): This federal benefit provides monthly payments to eligible families with children under 18. It is separate from the ACCB but can also help with child care costs.

If you are also dealing with other financial challenges, you may want to explore our guides on rental housing in BC, buying your first home as a newcomer, or registering a vehicle in BC. For workplace-related matters, our guide on workers' compensation in BC is also helpful.

Tips for Newcomers

• Start looking for child care early, as waitlists for licensed care can be long in many parts of BC.
• Apply for the ACCB as soon as your child is enrolled in care. The benefit is not retroactive, so apply promptly.
• File your income tax returns on time each year to maintain your eligibility.
• Ask your child care provider about the CCFRI and whether their fees have already been reduced.
• If you are having difficulty finding affordable child care, contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral centre for assistance.

Final Thoughts

The Affordable Child Care Benefit is one of the most important financial supports available to families in British Columbia. For newcomers, it can make the difference between being able to work or attend school and being unable to afford child care. Take the time to apply, and make sure to use the estimator tool to understand how much you could save. Affordable child care is possible in BC with the right supports in place.

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