New Brunswick

Childcare Financial Assistance

Moderate application

Tax filing not required

The government of New Brunswick helps families with low or middle incomes pay for early learning and childcare facilities.

There are two programs that offer eligible parents the support they need:

  • Parent Subsidy Program
  • Childcare Assistance Program (CAP)

Families may qualify for childcare financial assistance depending on their income, their child’s age, and the type of childcare facility.

You may qualify for the Childcare Assistance Program (CAP) if you are:

  • Your gross annual household income (before deductions) is $80,000 or less,
  • Your child is:
  • 0-5 years old (not yet in school) and enrolled in a licensed non-designated facility, or
  • 5-12 years old (attending school) and enrolled in a school-age program,
  • You are a resident of New Brunswick, and
  • You are employed, in a training program, or have a Parent or Child Program Referral.

You may qualify for the Parent Subsidy Program if you are:

  • Your gross annual household income (before deductions) is $80,000 or less,
  • Your child is 0-5 years old (not yet in school) and enrolled in a licensed designated facility,
  • You are a resident of New Brunswick, and
  • You are employed, in a training program, or have a Parent or Child Program Referral.

Please note that if your gross annual household income is $37,500 or less, you may qualify for free childcare through the Parent Subsidy Program.

Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.

Proof of  residency in Province/ Territory

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

Proof of income

For example:

Pay stubs, pension statements (Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security), rental property income, income tax returns, income tax notice of assessment, business/rental/farming income, disability or veterans affairs pension, child and spousal support payments, GST credit.

Proof of primary responsibility for the care and upbringing of the child

For example:

  • a letter from the day care or school authorities indicating the child’s home address and contact information on file
  • a letter from a social worker, physician, a band council, or a resettlement officer stating that they have personal knowledge that the child lived with you for the period you indicated
  • a registration form or a receipt from an activity or club the child was enrolled in for the period you indicated
  • a court order, decree, or separation agreement that explains the type of custody arrangement you have (for example, shared custody) and clearly shows the living arrangements for the child
  • any other document showing that the child lived with you for the period you indicated

You can apply for Childcare Financial Assistance online through the Parent Portal.

Parents can apply for Childcare Financial Assistance benefits online by logging into their existing Parent Portal account.

If you do not have a Parent Portal account, go to the Parent Portal and click ‘Register’ to create an account. 

Please click here to access the New Brunswick Parent Portal.

For more information, please review the Childcare Financial Assistance guide.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Monday to Friday between 8:15 am and 4:30 pm by phone 1 833 221-9339 or by email [email protected]. 

Last reviewed: September 17, 2026