Child Care Fee Subsidy

The City of Greater Sudbury offers a child care subsidy program to help families with children 12 years old and under reduce their licensed child care costs. The subsidy may cover all or part of eligible families' child care costs. The amount of subsidy provided is determined by a provincially-mandated income test.

When you are ready to apply, go directly to the Child Care Subsidy online application portal.

In this section

Eligibility for Child Care Subsidy
Programs Covered by Child Care Subsidy
How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy
Income and Family Contributions
Required Documents for your Subsidy Application
Other Help With Child Care Costs
Request a Review/Appeal

Eligibility for Child Care Subsidy

 

In order to apply for child care subsidy, families must:

  • Be registered on the Child Care Registry and have a confirmed child care space for their child(ren) with a licensed child care centre or licensed home in Greater Sudbury 

    OR

    Have a confirmed space in an approved recreation program.
  • Live in Greater Sudbury (unless eligible for cross-jurisdiction agreement)
  • Have up to date income tax assessment information
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, convention refugee, asylum seeker or on a work permit/visa (Note: applicants who are in Canada on a study permit or who have a work permit/visa that is linked to a study permit are not eligible to apply.)
  • Be working or going to school during the hours when the child is in care, unless a medical, social or special needs referral is completed for the family (and provided to the Children Services office). Contact feesubsidy@greatersudbury.ca for more information about referrals.

    Families in receipt of Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or OW temporary care benefits may also be eligible for some additional subsidy programs. Contact feesubsidy@greatersudbury.ca for more information.

Programs Covered by Child Care Subsidy

For children aged 0 to 12, subsidized families can choose:

  • Any licensed child care centre or before- and after-school program (Apply through the Child Care Registry.) 
  • Homes that are affiliated with a licensed home child care agency (Apply through the Child Care Registry.)

In the summer or on school breaks (i.e., March Break), in addition to programs in licensed child care homes and centres, children aged 4 to 12 can also be subsidized in the following programs (contact the program directly):

Before and after school programs operated by the Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord (CSGN) are not participating in the CWELCC program and as such, are not eligible for the child care subsidy program.


How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy


How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy in a Licensed Child Care Program


Step 1: Find a Space in a Licensed Child Care Centre or home

  • Click here to visit the Child Care Registry to apply to licensed child care centres that will meet your family’s requirements.
  • If you would like more information on wait lists, contact the child care agencies you have applied to.
  • Once you have a child care space confirmed, proceed to Step 2.
     

Step 2: Apply for Fee Subsidy Online 

  • Please note that you will be required to upload several documents to complete the application process. To access the list of documents required, click here. 
  • Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email from feesubsidy@greatersudbury.ca to confirm receipt and to outline any other documents required before your application can be processed. If you do not receive a confirmation email within two business days, please check your junk email prior to contacting our office. 
  • Should you require additional assistance through the application process, please contact our Children Services office at 705-674-4455, extension 4279 or call 311 and asked to be directed to Children Services. 
     

Step 3: Fee Subsidy Application Appointment 

  • If you are eligible to apply, an appointment will be scheduled. Appointments are available either in person or by phone. During your subsidy appointment, you will complete a formal subsidy application that requires a signed parental agreement that your representative will review with you in detail. The appointment takes approximately 30 minutes. You will usually find out if you are eligible during the appointment. You will also receive a written approval letter by mail or email.

How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy in an Approved Recreation Program

Step 1: Find a Space in an Approved Recreation program by contacting the programs directly

Day camps offered by the City of Greater Sudbury
Sudbury YMCA Day Camps
Better Beginnings Better Futures
Le Carrefour francophone Day Camps

Step 2: Call Children Services to Apply for Fee Subsidy 

  • Call Children Services office at 705-674-4455, extension 4279. 

Step 3: Fee Subsidy Application Appointment 

  • If you are eligible to apply, an appointment will be scheduled. Appointments are available either in person or by phone. During your subsidy appointment, you will submit documents and complete a formal subsidy application that requires signed documents that your representative will review with you in detail. The appointment takes approximately 30 minutes. We will advise you in writing about your eligibility. If eligible, you will receive a formal approval letter.

Factors Considered when Assessing Eligibility

There are several factors that are considered when assessing child care subsidy eligibility:

  • Family Adjusted Net Income (line 236 of your most recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency.) In a two-parent household, it will be the total of both parents.
  • Business revenue and expenses if self-employed
  • Parents’ work or school schedule
  • The family’s or child’s needs, as documented in a Medical or Special Needs referral
  • Number of days and cost of care required
  • Changes in income due to schooling or parental leave
  • Family composition; custody agreements and schedules, court orders, etc.
  • Citizenship status
    • Recent newcomers who have not yet filed Canadian taxes may be eligible as long as other eligibility factors are met.
    • Note: International students on study permits or work permits attached to a study permit are not eligible for child care subsidy.

Income and Family Contributions

There is no cut-off income level for eligibility for subsidy as long as your eligible child care costs are higher than the family contribution assessed by the subsidy office.

  • If your Family Adjusted Net Income is less than $20,000 your eligible child care will be fully subsidized by the City.

  • If your Family Adjusted Net Income is over $20,000 you will be required to pay a portion of your eligible child care costs.

  • If your family is in receipt of Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or OW Temporary Care Allowance, your eligible child care will be fully subsidized by the City.

Eligible families pay their assessed monthly contribution to the child care operator, and the City directly pays the remaining amount, for all approved child care. 

Examples of calculations for family contributions

Required Documents for your Subsidy Application

You will need to provide the following documents for your subsidy application. Upload documents for your application in the Upload Portal. If you have any questions about any of the documentation required, contact your assigned Children Services representative.

1. Verification of Family Income 

Provide one of the following to determine the family contribution for child care:

A. Notice of Assessment (NOA): The most recent federal Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for both parents/guardians (or the lone parent/guardian). The family contribution for subsidy is based on Line 236 (Net Income) of this document.  See a sample of a Notice of Assessment

B. Canada Child Benefit and Ontario Child Benefit Notice: This notice is mailed out in July each year. If your marital status has not changed, the Canada Child Benefit and Ontario Child Benefit Notice may be used instead of the Notice of Assessment.

 

2. Verification of Identification and Citizenship:

For each adult applicant (both spouses) and all subsidized children, documentation must be provided that confirms their identity (for those over 16 years of age, must include a photo) and their citizenship status. 

Submit one of the following for each adult applicant: 

  1. Driver’s licence issued in Canada AND a Canadian Birth Certificate. 

  1. Ontario Photo Card AND Canadian Birth Certificate. 

  1. Canadian Passport or Nexus Card. 

  1. Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada 

  1. Immigration/Refugee documentation (i.e. refugee protection claimant documentation, work permit, permanent residency, etc. that includes a photo and citizenship status). 
     

For each child who will be receiving subsidized care, submit one of the following: 

  1. Canadian passport. 

  1. Certificate of Canadian Citizenship or a Certification of Naturalization in the form of a card. 

  1. Canadian Permanent Resident Card. 

  1. Certificate of Indian Status by the Government of Canada. 

  1. Canadian Birth Certificate or Statement of Live Birth
     

3. Verification of Residence

Submit one of the following with a current address to confirm your residence: 

  1. Lease agreement OR notice of rent increase within the last 12 months. 

  1. Letter OR email from a landlord, OR recent rent receipt, which includes applicant’s name and address as well as landlord’s name and contact information. 

  1. Mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months.  

  1. Most recent utility bill either water, hydro, or natural gas; telecommunication bills (i.e. phone, internet, tv) are also acceptable 

  1. Most recent property tax bill. 
     

4. Verification of Custody 

For each subsidized child who is not living with both of their parents, applicants must provide confirmation of custody and visitation arrangements (i.e., a separation agreement, a court order, a kinship letter, a letter outlining informal custody and visitation arrangements signed by both parents, etc.). 

5. Verification of Need for Child Care

Employed applicants – provide a letter from your employer stating your work schedule, dated and signed by the employer within the last 30 days (for each working applicant). 

Applicants who are students –provide verification of your school registration. If registered for part time, a school schedule (showing the days and hours you will be attending school) must also be provided. 

Referrals – If a child requires child care because of an applicant’s medical situation, a family crisis or a child’s special need, a completed referral form (available from the Children Services office), must be provided from a medical professional or social services/therapeutic professional. 
 

Outside Jurisdiction Agreements

Cross jurisdiction agreements are required when an applicant resides outside of Greater Sudbury and their children attend a child care agency within Greater Sudbury; OR when the applicant resides within Greater Sudbury and the child attends a child care agency outside of Greater Sudbury.

Should a cross-jurisdiction agreement be required, the Children Services representative will begin the process during your subsidy appointment. Proof of residency is required as well as a confirmed placement at a child care agency.

Request a Review/Appeal

If you applied for child care subsidy and wish to appeal or request a review of the decision, use the Child Care Subsidy Request for Appeal Review of Subsidy Decision Form.


Other Help With Child Care Costs

Fees for child care for children under six have recently been reduced through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) System. There is no need to apply for this, reduced fees are available directly from all CWELLC child care programs.

The Governments of Canada and Ontario offer the Canada and Ontario Child Benefits which are designed to help with the costs of raising children. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website.

In addition, most families are able to claim a tax deduction for their child care expenses.  Make sure to keep receipts for all child care fees that you pay, including summer camps and even babysitting costs.