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Official Guide · Toronto, Ontario
Child Care Support in Toronto: How It Works
A straightforward guide to child care costs in Toronto in 2026 — the CWELCC fee reduction, the City subsidy, who qualifies and how to apply — based on official government sources.
Pioneers in documentation and services for the Brazilian and Portuguese community in Canada 🇧🇷. As a result, we help newcomer families understand and organize their child care subsidy correctly — on the first try.
Quick Answer
There are two different supports. On one hand, CWELCC lowers the fee for every family with a child under 6 in participating licensed child care — with no application. On the other hand, the City of Toronto’s Child Care Fee Subsidy is an additional, income-based benefit that can lower the cost even further — down to zero for lower-income families.
However, this does not mean a flat $10/day fee. Currently, for eligible children in participating CWELCC child care, the base fee is capped at no more than $22/day, with a provincial average of roughly $19/day.
The Basics
Two Supports That Work Together
The most common confusion is thinking there is a single “child care benefit.” In reality, there are two distinct programs that can stack. Therefore, understanding the difference is what decides how much you will pay.
| Program | What It Is | How You Get It |
|---|---|---|
| CWELCC | Reduces the base child care fee for eligible children in participating licensed programs | Automatic for eligible children — parents do not file a separate application for the reduction |
| Child Care Fee Subsidy | Helps eligible families pay child care costs; the amount depends on family situation and income | You must apply to the local service system manager; in Toronto, through the City of Toronto |
Reduced Child Care Fees in Ontario
How CWELCC Works
CWELCC is an agreement between the federal and provincial governments created to reduce the cost of participating licensed child care in Ontario. Currently, for eligible children in participating CWELCC programs, the base fee is no more than $22 per day, while the provincial average sits at roughly $19 per day.
You may be entitled to the CWELCC reduction if
Generally, you qualify when:
- Your child is under 6 years old (there are specific rules for children who turn 6 during the year)
- The child care is licensed and participates in CWELCC
- The child care fee is higher than $12 per day
The City Subsidy
How the Child Care Fee Subsidy Works
The Child Care Fee Subsidy helps eligible families with the cost of licensed child care programs in Toronto for children up to 12 years old. Unlike the CWELCC reduction, the Fee Subsidy requires an application and has eligibility criteria, including income and a need for child care. In addition, there is a waitlist, so the City recommends applying as early as possible.
You can apply if
- Your family lives in Toronto or is moving to Toronto
- Each parent/guardian is working, studying or planning to study — or there is an additional support need for the guardian or the child
- Each parent/guardian has filed the income tax return for the most recent tax year*
*Keep in mind that there are exceptions in certain cases, such as newcomers who arrived in Canada during the current year.
Step by Step
How to Apply for the Child Care Subsidy
- 1. Estimate first. First, use the City of Toronto’s Fee Subsidy Calculator to check whether your family may be eligible and estimate how much you could pay.
- 2. Submit the application. Next, the application can be completed online through the City of Toronto. However, if you receive Ontario Works, you should contact your caseworker.
- 3. Join the waitlist. After applying, you receive an email confirming your place on the Child Care Fee Subsidy waitlist, including your entry date and Client File Number. Therefore, keep that email.
- 4. Wait for the caseworker to reach out. Once your name reaches the top of the list, a caseworker will contact you to set up a meeting, verify your eligibility and guide you through the child care options.
- 5. Set up My Child Care Account and send documents. At this stage, the caseworker helps you register the My Child Care Account (MCCA). Currently, to create or link the account, you need to obtain an Access Code and have your Client File Number. That way, the requested documents can be submitted securely through the MCCA.
- 6. Assessment and subsidy offer. Finally, at the assessment, if all criteria are met, the family officially receives the Child Care Fee Subsidy offer and a period to find a suitable child care option.
Not sure where to start or which documents to gather? Then let BRS Solutions organize your application — in Portuguese.
Message us on WhatsAppWhat Causes Delays
Common Mistakes That Slow the Process
Choosing a program that does not accept the benefit
To use the Child Care Fee Subsidy, you must choose an eligible program that accepts the subsidy. Likewise, to receive the CWELCC reduction, the child care must participate in CWELCC. For this reason, check the City of Toronto’s tools to see which programs take part in each option.
Not having the required income documentation
To assess Fee Subsidy eligibility, each guardian normally needs to have filed income taxes for the most recent tax year and to provide the Notice of Assessment/Reassessment. However, there are exceptions, such as for certain newcomers who arrived in Canada during the current year.
Waiting too long to join the waitlist
There is a waitlist, so the City recommends applying as early as possible. In fact, you can apply as soon as you know you are expecting a child, including during pregnancy or an adoption process.
Confusing CWELCC with a flat $10/day fee
CWELCC does not mean that every family in Ontario pays $10 per day. In reality, base fees for eligible children in participating CWELCC programs are currently capped at $22 per day, with a provincial average of roughly $19 per day. In addition, eligible families can also apply for the Child Care Fee Subsidy for extra help with costs.
How We Help
Why Families Choose BRS Solutions
- Document organization — we help gather the documents and information needed for the process.
- Program guidance — we explain the differences between CWELCC and the Child Care Fee Subsidy and the main requirements of each.
- Application support — we help complete the Child Care Fee Subsidy application and guide you through the next steps.
- Service in Portuguese — in-person support in Toronto/North York or online.
For Brazilian & Portuguese Families in Toronto 🇧🇷🇨🇦
Arriving in Canada or have questions about how support with child care costs works? Then count on us.
BRS Solutions can help you understand the process, organize your documentation and complete the Child Care Fee Subsidy application. In addition, we explain the difference between the subsidy and CWELCC.
Service in Portuguese, with step-by-step guidance.
Approval and the subsidy amount are determined solely by the City of Toronto.
Get Ready Before You Apply
What to Have on Hand
To submit the application
- Most recent Notice of Assessment or Notice of Reassessment from the CRA
- ODSP Statement, if applicable
- Names of the child care programs you are interested in
For the eligibility assessment
Additional documents may be requested:
- Proof of address in Toronto
- Identification for each family member
- Proof of employment or self-employment, where applicable
- Proof of school enrolment/schedule, where applicable
- Other documents depending on the family’s situation
Finally, these documents are submitted later through My Child Care Account, as requested by the City/caseworker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the CWELCC reduction?
No. That is because, if the child care is licensed and participates in CWELCC, the fee reduction is applied by the child care itself for eligible children, with no separate application.
What is the difference between CWELCC and the City subsidy?
CWELCC lowers the base fee for all families with a child under 6 in licensed child care. The City of Toronto’s Child Care Fee Subsidy, by contrast, is an additional, income-based benefit that can reduce the cost even further — including to zero for lower-income families.
Is there a maximum income for the subsidy?
There is no maximum income to qualify. In other words, the parent contribution is zero for family income below $20,000; above that, in turn, it rises in percentages according to income.
I am a newcomer and haven’t filed taxes yet. Can I apply?
Yes. That is because newcomers who have not yet filed taxes in Canada, or guardians under 18, may apply without the most recent Notice of Assessment. In that case, the City provides guidance on alternative income documentation.
Does the subsidy cover children over 6?
Yes. The City subsidy covers licensed child care for children up to 12 years old, including before- and after-school programs. The CWELCC reduction, by contrast, is only for children under 6.
How does BRS Solutions help with this process?
We help you organize documents, understand eligibility and complete the application correctly, in Portuguese. So call (647) 247-7313 and ask for Jessica Rocha, or write to info@brssolutions.ca.
Official Sources
Where This Information Comes From
This article is based on official sources from the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario. Accordingly, we prioritize primary government documentation to ensure accuracy.
Child Care Fee Subsidy — City of Toronto
Official · City of Toronto
CWELCC — City of Toronto
Official · City of Toronto
Canada-Ontario Early Years and Child Care — Ontario
Official · Gov. of Ontario
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. In addition, rules, fees and timelines may change — therefore, always confirm current requirements directly with the official sources before applying.
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