Financial Support for Child Care

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

The application is different depending on if you already have child care or are currently looking for child care. 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.

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.

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