Financial Support for Child Care

The OneHSN Child Care Registry is no longer in service.

Parents with accounts who were still looking for child care were instructed to login by the March 31, 2019 deadline to keep child care applications active. If you are looking to apply for child care, please find your preferred operator on the Child Care Registry Map and contact them directly.

What will happen to my OneHSN Child Care Registry account?
Your OneHSN registry account was closed March 31, 2019. If you logged into your account prior to March 31, 2019 all your child care applications will appear on the child care centre waitlist where you have applied.

How do I know that the child care centre has my application?
All child care centres have a list of active applications. The City of Hamilton will also provide an updated list to all centres after the OneHSN registry is closed.

When will I hear back from the child care waitlist applications that I have submitted?
The child care centre will call you when a space comes available. It is recommended that you stay in touch with the child care centre you have an interest in.

How can I find child care in the City of Hamilton?
You can explore child care options in the City of Hamilton by using the Hamilton Child Care Registry Map located on our website.  

How do I apply for child care now?
To apply at a child care centre, you can contact the centre of your choice by telephone, email or walk in to the centre. 

Financial support is available to eligible families who live in Hamilton and have child care costs for children ages 0 to 12 years. You can complete the Child Care Subsidy Calculator to confirm if you're eligible to apply. 

How to Apply

Families can apply for child care subsidy using the online application form. Visit Apply for Financial Support for Child Care to review and complete the application process. 

Keeping your information up to date

Your file will need to be updated on an annual basis.  This can be done in person or by submitting the required paperwork. You will receive a letter requesting documentation to verify your continued eligibility prior to your subsidy expiring. Your Placement Authorization form will confirm the expiry date. Should you or your Subsidy Eligibility worker choose to complete the annual review in person an appointment will be scheduled with you.

Changes in your situation
If at any time your situation changes, such as moving to a new address, change in marital status or family composition, a significant change in income and/or your reason for receiving child care subsidy changes you must contact your Subsidy Eligibility worker within 48 hours. Depending on the changes, you may require a re-assessment.

A family is no longer eligible when any of the following occur:

  • No longer financially qualify
  • No longer have an approved reason to need child care (i.e. no longer in school, employment ended, child care referral ends)
  • Child(ren) turn 13 years of age
  • Move out of Hamilton, child care subsidy is not transferable

Failure to report these changes may result in payments owing to the City of Hamilton.

If prior to your annual review you experience a significant change in your income (reduction of 20% or more to your annual income) you may qualify for a reduction in your monthly contribution towards child care.  Contact your Subsidy Eligibility worker for further details.

Child care subsidy may continue until the beginning of a maternity/parental leave.  If medical complications arise and your leave begins early, medical documentation is required.  Prior approval is required from your Subsidy Eligibility worker if your child is to remain in subsidized care.

Once your baby is born, your file will be placed on a Break in Service.  A Break in Service permits you to keep your eligibility for child care subsidy while not actively receiving it. Reinstatement must be approved by the Subsidy Eligibility worker.  Contact your worker three months prior to when you need the subsidy to resume. Should you fail to contact your Subsidy Eligibility worker within 18 months of the start of your Break in Service your file will be terminated. 

You may qualify for a period of 3 months of continued child care subsidy to secure employment. You must seek approval from your Subsidy Eligibility worker to review your eligibility for a looking for work term.  A looking for work term is available only once in a 12 month period and for a maximum of 3 months. 

Transferring or withdrawing from the child care program

You must provide your current child care provider with a minimum of 2 weeks notice.  It is your responsibility to inform your Subsidy Eligibility worker of any changes to you child care arrangements.

Child Absence from the Child Care Program

Your child is permitted to be absent from a centre due to illness, vacation and unexpected absences up to a maximum allowable limit.  You are responsible for fees incurred beyond these limits. It is your responsibility to inform the child care centre of all absences. Your child care subsidy may be terminated if your child fails to attend on a regular basis.

If your child is absent for 5 consecutive days in a month or if you have concerns about your child’s attendance contact your Subsidy Eligibility worker.

If you have extenuating circumstances that have led to absences submit a Request Increase to Sick/Absent Days Form (PDF, 176 KB) for consideration prior to exhausting your allowable absences limits.  Supporting documentation may be required.

Contact us

Phone: 905-546-4870
Fax: 905-546-3064
Email: childcare@hamilton.ca

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Physical Address
Child Care Subsidy
Lister Block Building
28 James Street North, 6th Floor
Hamilton, Ontario L8R 2K1

Mailing Address
City of Hamilton
Healthy and Safe Communities
Child Care Subsidy
Lister Block Building, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 2040
Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y5