You may be eligible if:
- You live in Waterloo Region
- You have one or more children who are 0-12 years of age
- You have a start date for child care or a need for child care
- You are either:
- Currently employed (full-time, part-time, or self-employed)
- Attending an education institution, training program or course
- Your child has a special or social need
- You are ill, experiencing stress, or have a family circumstance and have a doctor or another professional recommending licensed child care
- Receiving benefits through the Ontario Works (OW) program, including Temporary Care Assistance or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Are financially eligible:
- To estimate your financial eligibility based on your household’s net income, use this Child Care Subsidy Calculator before applying.
This is a basic screening tool and does not confirm if you are eligible or not eligible. It provides an estimate of the parent contribution amount, using the financial information you provide.
Proof of birth
A document with first name, last name, and date of birth. For example:
- Birth certificate or birth registration
- Hospital record of birth or record of the physician/nurse/midwife who attended the birth
- Passport
- Record of landing or confirmation of permanent residence issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- Citizenship certificate
- Note of decision or temporary resident’s permit issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Certificate of Indian status card
- Provincial identity card
Proof of legal status
A document showing citizenship or immigration status in Canada. For example:
- citizenship certificate
- confirmation document
- record of landing, confirmation of permanent residence;
- permanent resident card
- visitor record
- temporary resident permit
- study permit
- positive notice of decision
- verification of status document
- registration date with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
- passport
- foreign passport
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
Proof of residency in Canada
A document that displays your name and current home address and confirms that your primary place of residence is in the province or territory that is providing the benefit. For example:
- Driver's license
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Child Tax Benefit Statement
- Employer record (pay stub or letter from employer on company letterhead)
- Income tax assessment (most recent)
- Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or life)
- Monthly mailed bank account statements for savings or chequing accounts (does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts)
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Motor Vehicle Permit (plate or vehicle portions)
- Property tax bill
- School, college or university report card or transcript
- Statement of Direct Deposit for social assistance or income assistance in your province or territory (for example, Disability Assistance, Hardship Assistance, Income Support, Assured Incoome, Social Solidarity, etc.)
- Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
- Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
- Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)
- Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)
- Valid Provincial or Territorial Driver's Licence
- Temporary Driver's Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
- Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution
- Valid Photo Identification
Notice of Assessment
A statement from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to each taxpayer, every year, after you have filed a tax return. It tells you the amount of income tax you owe, or the amount of the refund you will get.
Certificate of Indian Status
A document showing that you are registered as an Indian under the Indian Act. For example, a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (secure status card) or a Certificate of Indian Status (status card).
You may apply for Child Care Subsidy 16 weeks before child care starts. If you apply too early, you may need to apply again closer to your child's start date.
After confirming you have an eligible reason for needing child care, the steps to apply for the Child Care Subsidy are:
- You will need to upload supporting documents with your application. The documents needed will vary depending on your circumstances and your reason for needing child care. All supporting documents need to be submitted within 30 days of your date of application to avoid the need to re-apply.
- Create a Child Care Subsidy Account so you will be able to safely and securely upload your personal documents.
- Go to the Child Care Subsidy Account webpage and select “Sign In” at the top right corner of the screen, then select ‘Create an Account.’
- Shortly after you will receive a confirmation email from your Child Care Subsidy Account. Click the link within the email to confirm your account. The link will be active for 24 hours.
- Apply for the Child Care Subsidy through your Child Care Subsidy Account. Click ‘Child Care Fee Subsidy Application’.
- Upload your documents needed to complete your application through your Child Care Subsidy Account.
- You can also delivery your documents in-person or by mail to a Region of Waterloo Welcome space where knowledgeable staff can also assist you in submitting your documents to complete your application. Please note, your application may be delayed if submitted by mail.
- Wait for an appointment to assess your eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy. Please watch for an email response from [email protected] regarding your application. You may need to check your email junk or spam folder to ensure you do not miss next steps. Please note: Processing times may take up to 10 business days for your application and uploaded documents to be reviewed.
If you have questions about Child Care Subsidy, call 519-575-4400, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.