Child care subsidy

Child care subsidy reduces the amount of money that you pay for licensed child care for your children 12 years or younger.

On this page

• Eligibility
• What you need
• How to apply
• Who to contact
• More information

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Be living in Peel with children 12 years or younger.
• Be working, going to school, or have a special need for your child to attend child care.
• Have filed your previous year's income tax return (if you arrived in Canada this year, you may provide your Canada Child Benefit notice instead).

If you’re currently looking for work, you are not eligible for child care subsidy. You will need to wait until you have a confirmed work offer before applying.

Check your eligibility

Family composition

Family composition is a key part of assessing child care subsidy eligibility.

We’ll consider details like the status of the parent’s relationship, number of children needing child care, decision-making responsibilities in place, and other living arrangements. To learn more, refer to the family composition policy.

What you need

You’ll need to provide the 2024 Notice of Assessment or Canada Child Benefit Notice for each parent on your child care subsidy application.

During the application process, you’ll also need to provide all the required documents and identification.

How to apply

We recommend applying at least 4 weeks before you need child care. How to apply depends on your situation.

Receiving Ontario Works

Contact your Ontario Works Caseworker.

Currently staying in an emergency shelter or transitional housing

Speak with someone where you are staying to complete and submit a shelter referral.

If you have received or applied for subsidy in the past

Send a message using your Children's Services account to reapply. You can create an account if you do not already have one or call us at 905-791-1585. How to create an account.

If you have never applied for or received a subsidy in Peel Region

Create a Children’s Services account to access the online application. Use your first and last name and date of birth, not your child’s, when creating your account.
Create account and apply

Get help applying

Learn how to create an account and apply online. Watch video

If you’re not able to apply online, or have arrived in Canada this year and don’t have a Notice of Assessment, you can apply by phone. Call us at 905-793-9200, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone wait times may be shorter in the morning.

Who to contact

If you have questions or would like more information, call us at 905-793-9200, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone wait times may be shorter in the morning.