Child Care Subsidies

The Child Care Fee Subsidy helps low and moderate-income families in the City of Cornwall and United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G) pay for licensed child care for children from birth to 12 years old.

You may be eligible if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You are using a licensed child care program in Cornwall or SD&G
• You have a confirmed space for your child in that program
• All parents or guardians in your household are working, attending school, or in a training program.
• Your family is in financial need, as determined by an income test or if you are eligible for social assistance.

Applying for child care subsidies

Follow these steps to apply for financial help with your child care costs:

• Create an account: Start by creating an account on the Children’s Services Portal.
• Complete the form: In the portal, fill out the correct application. If you are a new client, complete the "Child Care Fee Subsidy Application." If you have received a subsidy before, complete the "reapplication form."
• Upload your documents: You must upload all required documents, such as proof of income. Your application is not complete until you provide all the requested paperwork.
• Wait for contact: A Case Manager will contact you within 10 business days of receiving your complete application. Please check your portal messages and email regularly for updates.
• Maintain your subsidy: To keep your subsidy, you must follow the rules in the Rights and Responsibilities document, which includes completing an annual review.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance, please call Children's Services at 613-933-6282, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Required documents

You must submit all required documents with your application. Incomplete applications will be closed after 14 days.

Everyone must provide:

• Proof of identity and residency:
  • A copy of your child's birth certificate.
  • Proof you live in the area (e.g. a driver's licence, lease agreement or utility bill).
• Proof of income:
  • Your most recent Canada Child Benefit Notice or Tax Notice of Assessment.
  • If applicable, a recent Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) stub.

You must also provide documents based on your situation:

• If you are employed: Provide your three most recent pay stubs or a signed employment letter on company letterhead that includes your start date, hours and job type.
• If you are a student: Provide your school timetable and OSAP documents if applicable.
• If you are self-employed: Provide your Business Licence, a separate business bank account statement and an income/expense spreadsheet. A T2125 tax form is required after one year of operation.

Additional notes:

• You must file your income tax return every year to be eligible.
• A medical referral is required if child care is needed for medical reasons.
• Children's Services may ask for more information and will contact you for an annual review.
• A Child Care Case Manager will make the final decision on your eligibility.

Need tax documents?

You can request a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281 and a Canada Child Benefit Notice at 1-800-387-1193.