Apply for child care subsidy
A child care subsidy reduces the amount of money that you pay for licensed child care for your children 12 years and under.
Wait times
It’s best to apply 4 weeks before the date you plan to start your child in child care. Submit only 1 application.
We will reply to each applicant on a first come, first served basis.
To apply, you must:
- be living in Peel with children 12 year and under.
- be working, going to school. If your child has a special need, exemptions may apply.
- 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).
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.
Other information
Before applying for a child care subsidy use our tool to find out if you may be eligible.
Before you apply, make sure you have all the required documents and identification.
How to apply depends on the situation you're in. Review the following to find the one that best matches your current situation.
Never applied for or received a subsidy
Helpful resources
If you've never applied for or received a subsidy, you'll need to create an account on the Children's Services website before you can access the online application.
As part of the online application process, you must upload an electronic copy of each parent's 2021 Notice of Assessment or Canada Child Benefit Notice.
Once you've completed your application, you’ll receive an email with the next steps.
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.
Already received or applied for subsidy in the last 6 months.
If you've received or applied for subsidy in the last 6 months, do not complete an online application. Instead, contact your most recent Children’s Services Worker.
Received or applied for subsidy more than 6 months ago
If you received or applied for subsidy more than 6 months ago, call us at 905-793-9200 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Already receiving Ontario Works
If you're already receiving Ontario Works (financial and employment assistance) do not complete the online application in the Children’s Services Portal. If you need help with child care, contact your Ontario Works Caseworker.
Currently staying in an emergency shelter or transitional housing
If you're staying in an emergency shelter or transitional housing, work with someone where you are staying to complete and submit a shelter referral for child care subsidy.
You can find a child care space by using the Peel Early Learning and Child Care Directory.
When you find a child care space, contact the provider to see if they have a spot available for your child. Do not register your child with the provider until we’ve approved your child care subsidy.
