Child Care Savings Available for BC Families

Raising children comes with many expenses, and child care is often one of the biggest. The good news is that families in British Columbia have access to several programs designed to make child care more affordable.

Monthly Support for Eligible Families

BC offers a monthly child care benefit to help families manage costs. This support is based on household income, and families earning up to a certain income threshold may qualify. Parents need to apply to receive this benefit, but once approved, it can significantly reduce monthly child care expenses.

Extra Help for Young Parents

Parents under the age of 25 who are working toward completing high school may also qualify for additional child care support. This program is designed to help young families stay in school while ensuring their children receive safe care.

Automatic Fee Reductions

Some child care savings in BC happen automatically. If your child attends a centre that is enrolled in provincial fee reduction programs, the lower fees are applied directly by the provider. Families do not need to submit a separate application for these savings.

$10-a-Day Child Care Centres

Certain child care centres across BC are part of the $10-a-day program. Families using these centres pay a capped monthly amount per child. Providers must apply to participate, but families do not need to apply to receive the reduced fees.

What Parents Should Do Next

If you’re unsure which supports apply to your family:

• Ask your child care provider which programs they participate in
• Review your eligibility for income-based benefits
• Check if your centre is part of the $10-a-day program

Understanding what’s available can make a meaningful difference to your family’s budget.

Information based on child care supports provided by the Government of British Columbia.