Daycare Subsidy: Applying In New Brunswick

If you are a resident of New Brunswick, you may be eligible for a daycare subsidy from the NB Provincial Government under the Daycare Assistance Program or the Designated Centre-Parent Subsidy. To apply, visit the Early Learning Parent Portal and register for an account to access the subsidy calculators and application forms for both programs. The Daycare Assistance Program is offered by the Department of Social Development and is designed to help families access affordable, quality childcare. It does not cover the full cost of daycare, and parents are responsible for paying the difference between the actual daycare cost and the approved subsidy amount. The Designated Centre-Parent Subsidy provides financial support to low and middle-income families with children under the age of five and is based on a sliding scale.

Eligibility criteria for the Daycare Assistance Program

To be eligible for the Daycare Assistance Program in New Brunswick, several criteria must be met. This program is designed to help families access affordable, quality child care at approved daycare facilities. It is important to note that the program does not cover the full cost of daycare, and parents are responsible for any cost difference between the actual daycare fee and the approved subsidy amount.

Firstly, the child must be of school-going age and registered in a designated New Brunswick Early Learning Centre. Additionally, the child's parent or guardian must be working, attending school or a training program, undergoing medical treatments, or have received a referral from a recognized source for their child to attend daycare.

Secondly, the family's gross annual household income must be within a specified range. For families with a total annual gross income of $37,500 or less, they will have access to free early learning and childcare services. On the other hand, families with a gross annual income above $37,501 and up to $80,000 will be subject to a sliding scale that considers factors such as childcare fees, the number of children under the age of five, and the total income.

Thirdly, the family must be residing in the province of New Brunswick, and the parent or guardian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Finally, the application process involves registering for an account on the Early Learning Parent Portal, where you can access subsidy calculators and application forms. It is also essential to confirm eligibility by contacting your regional Social Development office, as there may be additional considerations when reviewing your application.

Eligibility criteria for the Designated Centre-Parent Subsidy Program

To be eligible for the Designated Centre-Parent Subsidy Program, families must meet the following criteria:

• They must have at least one preschool-aged child who is not yet attending school and is registered at a designated New Brunswick Early Learning Centre.
• The family must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
• They must be residents of the province of New Brunswick.
• Their total gross annual household income (before deductions) must be $80,000 or less.
• Their expenses for childcare services must be more than 20% of their gross annual household income (before deductions).

The program provides financial support to low and middle-income families and is based on a sliding scale between $37,501 and $80,000. This scale considers childcare fees, the number of children under the age of five who are not yet in school, and the total annual gross household income.

How to access the subsidy application forms

To access the daycare subsidy application forms in New Brunswick, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, visit the Early Learning Parent Portal at https://www.nbed.nb.ca/parentportal/en/. Here, you will be able to register for an account and access the necessary forms. When registering, you will be asked to provide personal information, such as your name, contact details, and information about your child or children. It is important to have this information ready when signing up.

Once registered, you will be able to log in to the portal and navigate to the relevant section for subsidy applications. Here, you should find detailed information about the two available subsidy programs: the Designated Centre-Parent Subsidy and the Daycare Assistance Program. Be sure to review the eligibility criteria for each program carefully to determine which one is most suitable for your family.

After determining your eligibility, you can begin the application process. The application form will likely ask for additional information, such as your household income, childcare expenses, and the number of children you have enrolled in daycare or early learning programs. It is important to have these details on hand to ensure a smooth application process.

In addition to the online application, you may also be required to submit supporting documentation. This could include proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, as well as any other relevant information that supports your application. Be sure to review the application carefully and provide all the necessary information accurately.

Finally, after submitting your application, you may need to wait for a response. The approval process may vary, and you will be notified once a decision has been made. If your application is successful, you will be informed of the next steps and how to access the approved subsidy.

How to calculate your subsidy rate

To calculate your daycare subsidy rate in New Brunswick, you must first determine which of the two available subsidy programs you are eligible for: the Designated Centre – Parent Subsidy or the Daycare Assistance Program.

The Designated Centre – Parent Subsidy

This program is available for children under the age of five who are not yet attending school. It provides financial support to low- and middle-income families based on a sliding scale between $37,501 and $80,000. This scale takes into account factors such as child care fees, the number of children under the age of five not attending school, and the total annual gross household income.

Families with a total annual gross income of $37,500 or less will have access to free early learning and child care services at designated centres. For families with multiple preschool children under the age of five, the cost will not exceed 20% of their gross household annual income.

The Daycare Assistance Program

This program is designed to help families access affordable, quality child care at approved daycare facilities. It is offered to families with children attending school. While it assists with costs, it does not cover the full amount. Parents are responsible for paying any difference between the actual daycare cost and the approved subsidy amount.

To determine your eligibility and calculate your potential subsidy rate, you can use the online subsidy calculators available through the Early Learning Parent Portal. These calculators will take into account various factors, such as household income, the number of children, and child care fees, to provide you with an estimate of your potential subsidy.

It is important to note that the subsidy rates may vary, and there are additional considerations for high school students, who may be eligible for a higher childcare subsidy rate.

How to confirm your eligibility

To confirm your eligibility for daycare subsidies in New Brunswick, you must meet certain criteria and conditions. Here is a detailed guide on how to determine your eligibility:

Visit the Early Learning Parent Portal:

Start by accessing the official Early Learning Parent Portal of the New Brunswick government at https://www.nbed.nb.ca/parentportal/en/. This portal serves as a one-stop resource for families seeking information on daycare subsidies and applications.

Register for an Account:

Once you're on the portal, create an account to gain access to the subsidy calculators and application forms. This account will allow you to input your specific information and determine your eligibility.

Understand the Available Subsidy Programs:

In the province of New Brunswick, there are two main subsidy programs: the Designated Centre-Parent Subsidy and the Daycare Assistance Program.

• The Designated Centre-Parent Subsidy is available for families with children under the age of five who are not yet attending school. It is designed for low and middle-income families and is based on a sliding scale, taking into account factors such as childcare fees, the number of children under five, and the total annual gross household income.
• The Daycare Assistance Program is offered by the Department of Social Development to help families access affordable, quality childcare at approved daycare facilities. It is intended for families with preschool-aged children and/or school-aged children registered in a designated New Brunswick Early Learning Centre.

Review the Eligibility Criteria:

Each subsidy program has specific eligibility criteria. For the Designated Centre-Parent Subsidy, your family must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least one preschool-aged child registered in a designated New Brunswick Early Learning Centre.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be a resident of New Brunswick.
• Have a gross annual household income of $80,000 or less, or childcare expenses exceeding 20% of the gross annual household income.

For the Daycare Assistance Program, the following conditions will be considered:

• If you are working, attending school, enrolled in a training program, undergoing medical treatments, or have received a referral for your child to attend an approved daycare.
• You may also be eligible if you have a preschool-aged child and a school-aged child registered in a designated New Brunswick Early Learning Centre.

Use the Subsidy Calculators:

After understanding the eligibility criteria, utilize the subsidy calculators provided on the portal. These calculators will help you determine how much subsidy you may receive based on your specific circumstances.

Contact the Regional Social Development Office:

Finally, it is recommended to get in touch with your regional Social Development office to confirm your eligibility. They can provide personalized assistance and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements for the daycare subsidy programs in New Brunswick.

Remember to review the detailed eligibility criteria and conditions for each subsidy program on the Early Learning Parent Portal to ensure you don't miss out on any important information.

Frequently asked questions