Apply for a child care subsidy

The Child Care Subsidy assists families who may not be able to afford to pay for their child to attend a:

  • licensed child care centre;
  • family day home; or
  • school-aged program.

The amount of subsidy is based on an income test on the combined net income of your family. It takes into account:

  • family size;
  • income; and
  • the community in which you live.

Eligibility

You can apply for the subsidy if 1 or more of the following situations apply:

  • You have a full- or part-time job
  • You're looking for a job
  • You're attending school or a training program full- or part-time
  • You're receiving medical treatment
  • You or your child have a special need based on a professional assessment
  • You need to meet a short-term family crisis
  • You're a grandparent and the primary care provider of your grandchild (Note: You do not need to have legal custody, but rather be the primary adult providing care for the grandchild.)

Apply for the child care subsidy

  1. Complete the child care subsidy application.
    You can also pick up an application:
    • at the Early Learning and Child Care Branch (ELCC) office at the Department of Education building located at 1000 Lewes Blvd in Whitehorse:
    • at your child care centre or your family day home;
    • by phone, 867-667-3492, toll-free 1-800-661-0408, extension 3492; or
    • by email, [email protected].
  2. Make sure you have the required supporting forms and documentation.
  3. Submit your completed application and supporting forms and documents.
    In person:
    Early Learning and Child Care Branch
    Department of Education building
    1000 Lewes Blvd
    Whitehorse, Yukon

    Mail:
    Government of Yukon
    Early Learning and Child Care Branch (E-23)
    Box 2703
    Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

We require original signatures so we cannot accept scanned or emailed applications.

Next steps

  1. We'll review your application to determine if you qualify.
  2. You'll receive a letter informing you of the decision.
  3. If you're approved, this letter will identify the:
    • number of months you are approved for; and
    • the amount we will pay on your behalf.
  4. Your child care program will require you to sign a Child Care User Subsidy Eligibility form every month. They will submit the signed form on your behalf along with their billing form. Payment is made directly to the child care provider.

When to re-apply for the child care subsidy

Your current subsidy is expiring

  1. We'll mail you a notification letter about 6 weeks before your subsidy expires.
  2. Submit a new child care subsidy application and all required documentation.
    In person:
    Early Learning and Child Care Branch
    Department of Education building
    1000 Lewes Blvd
    Whitehorse, Yukon

    Mail:
    ​Government of Yukon
    Early Learning and Child Care Branch (E-23)
    Box 2703
    Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

Note: Re-apply before the deadline or you could be responsible for child care fees if your application is late.

Your situation has changed

Re-apply for the childcare subsidy if you've had changes to your:

  • marital status;
  • number of children;
  • job;
  • income; or
  • reason for needing child care.

Complete these steps

  1. Complete an eligibility form indicating the change, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-3492, toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 3492.

  2. Submit a new child care subsidy application and all required documentation.
    In person:
    Early Learning and Child Care Branch
    Department of Education building
    1000 Lewes Blvd
    Whitehorse, Yukon

    Mail:
    Government of Yukon
    Early Learning and Child Care Branch (E-23)
    Box 2703
    Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6

Supporting forms and documentation

Use the following applicable forms and documentation when you: 

  • apply for a child care subsidy; or
  • update your information to reflect your current status.

If you're working

If you're self-employed

If you're looking for work

If you're in school, college or training

If you have special circumstances (respite care, health professional recommendation)

Other

Child care subsidy rates

Maximum subsidy rates are based on the child's: 

  • age;
  • hours in care; and
  • special needs. 

They are established on the basis of a child needing part-time or full-time care. The anticipated number of child care hours will provide the basis for setting the level of subsidy available.

Definitions

  • Child: 12 years and under and special needs children 16 years and under
  • Part-time care: Attendance is less than 100 hours a month
  • Full-time care: Attendance is 100 hours or more a month
  • 0 to 18 months children: The maximum rate payable for a child under 18 months will be paid up to and including the month when the child becomes 18 months old. The new subsidy rate for a toddler will begin the following month.
  • Special needs children: Children aged 16 years and under are eligible for a maximum monthly subsidy of:
    • $688 while attending over 100 hours of child care a month;
    • $517 while attending 80 to 100 hours a month; and
    • $347 while attending less than 80 hours a month.
  • Adjustments for holidays: If a school age or full-time kindergarten child attends a child care program for over 100 hours a month, the subsidy will be paid at the full-time rate.
Contact

For questions about applying for the child care subsidy, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-3492, toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 3492.​

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Date modified: 2025-10-23