How do I apply online?

Apply through the City of Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy portal. Create an account, complete the application for each child, and you will be placed on the centralized waiting list.

What documents do I need?

Government photo ID, proof of Toronto address, most recent CRA Notice of Assessment for all parents, your child's birth certificate, and proof of reason for care (employment, school, or medical).

How to Apply for the Toronto Child Care Fee Subsidy

Q: Who is eligible for the Toronto child care fee subsidy?

Parents living in Toronto with children under 13 (or up to 18 with special needs) attending a licensed program that has a Service Agreement with the City. Eligibility is income-tested using your most recent CRA Notice of Assessment.

A practical checklist for parents navigating the City of Toronto's fee-subsidy application — eligibility, paperwork, and the waitlist period.

1. Check eligibility

You can apply if you live in Toronto, have a child under 13 (or under 18 with special needs), and use a licensed program that has a Service Agreement with the City. Eligibility is income-tested using line 23600 of your most recent CRA Notice of Assessment.

2. Gather your documents

Government-issued photo ID for each parent on title
Proof of Toronto address (lease, utility bill, mortgage statement)
Most recent CRA Notice of Assessment for every parent in the household
Your child's birth certificate or proof of guardianship
Reason-for-care document: pay stub, school timetable, or doctor's note
SIN for each parent and child

3. Submit the online application

Apply through the City of Toronto's Child Care Fee Subsidy portal. Create one account per family, add each child, upload your documents, and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email and be added to the centralized waiting list.

4. Expect a waitlist

Demand outpaces supply across the GTA. Plan for several months — sometimes longer — before a subsidy offer arrives. The City prioritizes by date of application and assessed need, so apply as soon as you confirm a need for care.

5. Keep applying to centres in parallel

A subsidy only pays for a licensed spot at a centre with a Service Agreement. While you wait, join multiple centre waitlists so you have an offer ready when the subsidy is approved. Use Discover to find licensed centres near you and track every waitlist from your My List dashboard.

6. Respond fast when contacted

The City and centres typically give short deadlines to confirm. Watch your email and voicemail, and re-confirm your active waitlists every 90 days so a centre doesn't drop you right before an offer comes through.