Do you need help paying for childcare?
The New Brunswick government helps families with low or middle incomes pay for early learning and childcare facilities.
There are two programs that offer parents the support they need to work, study and thrive.:
- Parent Subsidy Program
- Childcare Assistance Program
New Brunswick’s vision is to build a high-quality early learning and childcare system that families can rely on, so every child receives the services they need to reach their full potential.
Families may qualify for childcare financial assistance depending on their income, their child’s age, and the type of childcare facility.
Childcare Assistance Program (CAP)
You may qualify for help paying for the costs of childcare through CAP if:
- Your gross annual household income (before deductions) is $80,000 or less,
- Your child is:
- 0-5 years old (not yet in school) and enrolled in a licensed non-designated facility, or
- 5-12 years old (attending school) and enrolled in a school-age program,
- You are a resident of New Brunswick, and
- You are employed, in a training program, or have a Parent or Child Program Referral.
Parent Subsidy Program
You may qualify for help paying for the costs of childcare through the Parent Subsidy Program if:
- Your gross annual household income (before deductions) is $80,000 or less,
- Your child is 0-5 years old (not yet in school) and enrolled in a licensed designated facility,
- You are a resident of New Brunswick, and
- You are employed, in a training program, or have a Parent or Child Program Referral.
Free childcare for families with a lower income
If your gross annual household income is $37,500 or less, you may qualify for free childcare through the Parent Subsidy Program.
| Not sure if your facility is designated or non-designated? You can check its status using the Childcare Finder. |
You can apply for Childcare Financial Assistance online through the Parent Portal. You only need to complete one application.
Parents can apply for Childcare Financial Assistance benefits online by logging into their existing Parent Portal account. If you do not have a Parent Portal account, go to the Parent Portal and click ‘Register’ to create an account.
The Parent Portal is the same secure system you used to accept your child’s enrolment offer from their childcare facility.
Please see: Childcare Financial Assistance Step by Step Guide for Families
Complete and submit the online application at a time that works for you.
Please be ready to share basic information about yourself and your income.
For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.