What is the income limit for the Affordable Child Care Benefit?

Families with household income up to roughly $111,000 may qualify. The benefit is income-tested, so the amount also depends on your family size, your child’s age, and the type of care. Lower incomes receive more, and at the lowest incomes it can cover most or all of your fee.

How long does an Affordable Child Care Benefit application take?

Once you start in My Family Services you have 60 days to finish, and you can save and return. Processing times vary; apply as early as you can, because the benefit generally isn’t backdated to before your application.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Yes. The Affordable Child Care Benefit must be renewed annually. Diarize your renewal date — if it lapses, your fee reduction stops until you reapply.

Does the Affordable Child Care Benefit stack with CCFRI?

Yes. CCFRI lowers your fee automatically at a participating centre, and the Affordable Child Care Benefit applies on top of that reduced fee — together they can bring your cost close to zero for lower-income families.

How to Apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit in BC (2026)

The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) is BC’s income-tested childcare subsidy. Unlike CCFRI (which your provider opts into and applies automatically), the ACCB is one you apply for — and it stacks on top of CCFRI. Here’s exactly how to get it.

1. Check if you’re likely eligible

Eligibility is income-tested: households earning up to about $111,000 may qualify, with the amount based on your income, family size, your child’s age and the type of care. You generally also need to be working, looking for work, studying, or have a medical or other approved reason for care. Want a quick read on your numbers first? Use our BC child care subsidy calculator.

2. Gather your documents

Your Social Insurance Number
Proof of income — usually your CRA Notice of Assessment
Proof of your child’s citizenship — a birth certificate or passport
Banking details for direct deposit

3. Apply online through My Family Services

Apply (and later check status) at gov.bc.ca/affordablechildcarebenefit. Once you begin you have 60 days to complete it, and you can save and finish later.

4. Complete the CF2798 (Child Care Arrangement form)

This is the form that trips families up: the CF2798 needs details from both you and your provider, plus the provider’s signature. Get a head-start with our free CF2798 helper — and if your daycare runs on Mitten, they can hand you a copy with their half already filled in.

5. Renew every year

The ACCB lapses annually. Mark your renewal date the day you’re approved — a missed renewal silently stops your reduction. (Daycares on Mitten get an automatic renewal-reminder radar for exactly this.)

How much will you actually save?

Between CCFRI’s automatic reduction, the ACCB on top, and the $10-a-day cap at participating sites, most BC families pay far less than the sticker price. Estimate your total with the subsidy calculator, then find a centre with space on our free childcare boards.

Run your daycare on Mitten — free to start

Mitten does everything in this guide — daily reports, photos, messaging, billing, even payroll prep — free for your first 5 children, then just $20/mo + $2 per child.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the income limit for the Affordable Child Care Benefit?: Families with household income up to roughly $111,000 may qualify. The benefit is income-tested, so the amount also depends on your family size, your child’s age, and the type of care. Lower incomes receive more, and at the lowest incomes it can cover most or all of your fee.
How long does an Affordable Child Care Benefit application take?: Once you start in My Family Services you have 60 days to finish, and you can save and return. Processing times vary; apply as early as you can, because the benefit generally isn’t backdated to before your application.
Do I have to reapply every year?: Yes. The Affordable Child Care Benefit must be renewed annually. Diarize your renewal date — if it lapses, your fee reduction stops until you reapply.
Does the Affordable Child Care Benefit stack with CCFRI?: Yes. CCFRI lowers your fee automatically at a participating centre, and the Affordable Child Care Benefit applies on top of that reduced fee — together they can bring your cost close to zero for lower-income families.

How to apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit (BC)