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BC Child Care Benefit for Families

A provincial benefit that may help eligible families reduce monthly daycare costs while planning child care.

How It Saves You Money

The BC Affordable Child Care Benefit is an income-tested provincial program that may lower monthly licensed child care costs for eligible families.

The amount depends on income, family size, the type of care, and how many days of care your child needs. Families can apply, renew, and check their status through My Family Services.

Quick Summary

In short: income-tested support that can reduce monthly licensed child care fees for eligible families.

  • Use the BC estimator for a rough idea of support before you apply.
  • Apply, renew, and check your status through My Family Services.
  • Review the official BC rules for the most current details.

Who It Helps

  • Families living in British Columbia who meet the province's residency and status rules.
  • Families who need care for work, school, a medical reason, a job search, or licensed preschool.
  • Some care arranged through Indigenous authorities may also qualify.

You may also need the parent and spouse SIN, plus any supporting documents BC requests.

What Affects the Amount

  • Annual income
  • Family size
  • Children with support needs
  • Type of child care
  • Days of care needed

Part-time care is prorated, and the amount may change if your family details change.

BC also considers deductions and support needs when calculating funding.

When to Apply

Apply before the end of the month when you need child care to begin.

Renew yearly or when your income, family size, work or study status, or care needs change.

Use My Family Services to apply, renew, or check your status.

Have your SIN, income details, and child care information ready before you start.

Important to Know

The Province of British Columbia reviews each application and makes the final decision on eligibility and funding.

  • Some care types are not eligible, including drop-in, recreational, and same-household family-member care.
  • If you cannot apply online, BC also has paper forms.
  • Check your status in My Family Services before calling the Child Care Service Centre.
  • Interpreting services are available in more than 140 languages.

Official BC Resources

Use the official BC site for current rules, forms, and full program details.

Child Care Service Centre: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT. Toll-free 1-888-338-6622, option 1.

Visit BC Benefit Page

What families usually need to know first

Families comparing daycares costs often need a simple starting point before going to the official BC application pages. This overview explains the basics, but the province remains the source of truth for current income thresholds, forms, deadlines, and payment rules.

If you are planning care with Beyond Care Child Centre, we recommend collecting your preferred start date, your child's program information, and any application documents early so you can move faster when a space becomes available. Ready to apply? Join our Burnaby daycare waitlist.

Frequently asked questions

Who may qualify? Eligibility depends on provincial rules, family income, and the type of care a child receives.

What should I check before applying? Review the current BC government guidance so you know which forms, documents, and deadlines apply to your family.

Where can I get help? You can contact the Child Care Service Centre during its posted weekday hours if you need clarification about the program.