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Provincial Program · Ontario

Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy

ON Child Care Subsidy

The Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy helps families pay for licensed child care so that parents can work, study, or take part in training. The subsidy is based on family income and reduces the amount you pay out of pocket for child care, including for children with special needs up to age 18 in certain cases.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Apply early, since subsidy waitlists can exist in some areas. Make sure your child care is licensed, as the subsidy generally only covers licensed programs. If your child has special needs, ask about eligibility up to age 18 and about additional supports through the child care program.

Who May Qualify

You may qualify if you live in Ontario, your child is under 13 (or up to 18 if the child has special needs and meets other criteria), your child attends a licensed child care program, approved recreation program, camp, or school-board before-and-after-school program, and you need child care so you can work, study, or train. Eligibility is income-tested.

Required Documents

Proof of Ontario residency, family income information, proof of enrollment in a licensed child care program (or approved recreation program or camp), and details about your work, study, or training schedule.

How to Apply

Apply through your local municipality or Consolidated Municipal Service Manager. You will provide income information and details about your child care arrangement; if eligible, you will sign a Parent Agreement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is not applying because you assume you earn too much — the subsidy is income-tested and many working families qualify. Another is choosing an unlicensed provider, which may not be eligible. Parents also miss that children with special needs can qualify up to age 18 in some cases, not just to age 13.

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