Child Care Fee Subsidy (City of Toronto)
Child Care Fee Subsidy (City of Toronto) is a discount run by the City of Toronto. You likely qualify if: Families living in Toronto, or moving here; Children up to 12 years old; Each parent works, studies or plans to study (checked on the official page on October 2, 2026).
You likely qualify if: Families living in Toronto, or moving here; Children up to 12 years old; Each parent works, studies or plans to study; Each parent filed last year's taxes.
There is a waitlist, so apply as soon as possible. You can apply as soon as you are expecting a child (pregnancy or adoption).
Free. Never pay anyone to apply.
ApplySend to someone who needs thisChecked on October 2, 2026 on the official page
We last read this on October 2, 2026. That was a while ago, so please check their own website before you rely on it, and tell us below if something changed.
The City pays part of the cost of licensed child care for families who cannot afford the full fee, and you pay a daily amount based on your income.
Who qualifies
Families who live in Toronto or are moving here, with children up to 12 years old, where each parent works, studies or plans to study (or a parent or child has an extra support need) and each parent has filed last year's taxes (new immigrants this year and parents under 18 can apply without a tax return).
You likely qualify if:
- Families living in Toronto, or moving here
- Children up to 12 years old
- Each parent works, studies or plans to study
- Each parent filed last year's taxes
How to apply
- Apply on their application form.
- Questions? 416-338-8888
- Come back here and tell us if it worked.
Other ways, if that one is quiet
Where else they are
Their website is toronto.ca/.../child-care-support.
Good to know
- CostFree to apply. Your daily parent fee depends on family income; the City's Fee Subsidy Calculator gives an estimate.
- Their stepsApply online with the City's Child Care Fee Subsidy application (secure.toronto.ca/children/subsidy) or call 416-338-8888; if you get Ontario Works, ask your caseworker to apply for you. Have ready your CRA Notice of Assessment (to replace one call 1-800-959-8281), your ODSP statement if you have one, and the names of child care programs you want. Keep the confirmation email: it shows your waitlist date and file number. Tell the child care programs you like that you are on the subsidy waitlist. When you reach the top of the waitlist a caseworker contacts you for an eligibility meeting. To change your phone, address or details, call 416-338-8888 (offices open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in person by appointment only).
Did this way in answer?
Talk to a person: 416-338-8888
Something wrong? Tell us
What to bring
- Your CRA Notice of Assessment
- Your ODSP statement, if you have one
- Names of child care programs you want
Dates
There is a waitlist, so apply as soon as possible. You can apply as soon as you are expecting a child (pregnancy or adoption).
Something wrong? Tell us
We read all of this on their own website. If something has changed, tell us here. It takes 20 seconds, needs no account, and nothing is deleted: the old fact stays until a person checks yours.