From left: Aria Ridsale, Audrey Rouftiange and Zoe Lawson work with glue and feathers to create a masterpiece at the crafts table during the annual Picnic in the Park event for childcare providers and families at Elks Park on May 30 in Terrace. Hosted by the Skeena Child Care Resources and Referral Centre, the event brings together providers, parents and kids for an afternoon luncheon in the park complete with family-friendly activities. (Brittany Gervais photo)

From left: Aria Ridsale, Audrey Rouftiange and Zoe Lawson work with glue and feathers to create a masterpiece at the crafts table during the annual Picnic in the Park event for childcare providers and families at Elks Park on May 30 in Terrace. Hosted by the Skeena Child Care Resources and Referral Centre, the event brings together providers, parents and kids for an afternoon luncheon in the park complete with family-friendly activities. (Brittany Gervais photo)

Parents can now apply for B.C.’s child care benefit

Applications are income-tested to determine whether a family qualifies for a portion of funding

  • Aug. 3, 2018 12:00 a.m.

Parents can now apply for the B.C. government’s childcare benefit.

The program, set to take effect Sept. 1, offers funds of up to $1,250 for families with an annual income of less than $45,000 and other levels of support for families earning up to $111,000.

If eligible, families will start receiving the benefit retroactively for the month they apply starting Sept. 1.

READ MORE: B.C. starting universal daycare pilot program

This is in addition to the government’s universal child care pilot, which also rolls out in September. For those eligible, the spaces will provide free childcare to families with an annual income of less than $45,000. Families with a yearly income of less than $111,000 will pay less than $10 a day.

A cornerstone of its election campaign and subsequent budget, the NDP aims to fund licensed child care spaces to reduce parents’ fees up to $350 per month.

NOTE: This is a corrected story. The original version incorrectly stated families earning up to $111,000 will receive $10-a-day child care rates whether or not they are part of the child care pilot.


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