Child Care Subsidy Program

• Income proof, such as a recent CCB notice or Notice of Assessment
• Proof of identity and immigration or legal status
• Proof of Waterloo Region address
• Proof of reason for child care, such as employment, school, self-employment, medical, or referral documents
• Parenting arrangement documents, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Families with children aged 0 to 12
• Households in Waterloo Region
• Parents or guardians working, studying, self-employed, or with special circumstances

Who is not eligible

• Families outside Waterloo Region
• Applicants without an eligible reason for child care
• Households that do not meet the financial eligibility requirement

Eligible expenses

• Licensed child care fees
• Before and after school program fees
• Summer program fees

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Child care spaces without a confirmed placement are not covered by the subsidy itself.
• Unlicensed child care programs are not covered.
• Programs without a Purchase of Service Agreement with the Region of Waterloo are not covered.

Eligible geographic areas

• Waterloo Region

• Applications and documents are reviewed after submission.
• Processing may take up to 10 business days.
• An eligibility appointment is booked after the file is received and processed.
• Documents may be marked approved or declined in the account.
• If approved, the caseworker completes the eligibility assessment.

• Families can use the Child Care Subsidy Calculator before applying.
• Eligible families may apply up to 26 weeks before child care starts.
• All supporting documents must be submitted within 30 days of the application date.
• If a decision is disputed, an internal review can be requested.