B.C.’s Affordable Child Care Benefit

Supporting families by making child care more accessible continues to be a priority in British Columbia—and the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) remains a key pillar of that commitment. Here's your comprehensive guide:

1. What is the ACCB?

The ACCB is a monthly subsidy that helps eligible families cover child care costs. Payment amounts depend on:

• Family income

• Number of children

• Child’s age

• Type of child care service (licensed centre, in-home care, etc.)

2. How much can families receive?

Benefits vary by type of care and child’s age. For licensed child care centres, the maximum monthly subsidy is:

• Up to $1,250 for children under 19 months (Group care)

• $1,060 for children aged 19–37 months

• And up to $415–550 for older/pre-school children

Subsidy levels for in-home, unlicensed care, or license-not-required care range from $147 to $1,000, depending on age and care setting

3. Who qualifies?

• Families with adjusted annual income up to $111,000 may receive partial or full benefits.

• Greater deductions are available for families with more children or children with special support needs

• A qualifying reason for care is required—such as working, attending school or training, medical condition, seeking employment, or Indigenous-led care arrangements

• ACCB is not available during parental leave unless there’s an accompanying medical condition affecting the parent’s ability to provide care

4. Application & Renewal

• Use My Family Services to apply, check status, renew, or report changes

• Applications should be submitted before the month care is needed (e.g. apply by Sept 30 for Sept 1 care) .

• You must renew annually, or sooner if your situation (income, care provider, reason for care) changes

5. Payment structure

• Once approved, a benefit plan is issued with start/end dates.

• Providers submit claims monthly and receive payments directly.

• For care in the child’s home, parents pay the provider and submit the claim

• Absences due to vacation or illness are covered for up to 2 weeks per month (max 4 weeks per year)

• If the child leaves mid-month, subsidy is prorated based on attendance .

Do you need help with the application process?

Call us today. 6042138318