Description
Monthly financial support for eligible families to help with the cost of child care.
Benefit Amount
Varies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ACCB, families must meet the following conditions:
- Income Threshold: Generally, families with an annual income up to $111,000 may qualify. Those earning above this amount might still be eligible if they have significant deductions due to family size or children with support needs.
- Child Care Type: The child care must be provided by eligible providers. Non-licensed care by a family member living in the same household, licensed occasional or drop-in care, and recreational care are not eligible for funding.
- Qualifying Reason for Care: There must be a valid reason for requiring child care, such as employment, education, or medical needs.
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of British Columbia.
- Consent to Share Information: Applicants must consent to share their income information with the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
Application Process
- Apply Online: Use the My Family Services portal to complete and submit your application. You can start the application and save it to complete later; however, you have 60 days to finish it.
- Provide Necessary Documents: Submit all required documentation, including proof of income, child care arrangements, and any other supporting forms.
- Processing Time: Electronic applications are typically processed within 10 business days.
- Renewal: Benefits must be renewed annually or when there’s a change in circumstances. It’s recommended to renew 30 days before your plan’s expiry date.
Appeal Process
If you disagree with a decision regarding your ACCB application or benefit amount, you can take the following steps:
- Speak to an Adjudicator
- Contact the Child Care Service Centre to discuss your concerns with an adjudicator. They can provide clarity on the decision and guide you on the next steps.
- Request a Reconsideration
- Timeframe: You have 20 days from the notification of the decision to submit a Request for Reconsideration form.
- Process:
- Contact the Child Care Service Centre to obtain the form.
- An adjudicator will complete sections one and two, detailing the decision and relevant legislation.
- You complete sections three and four, providing any additional information or documentation.
- Submit the completed form back to the Child Care Service Centre.
- Note: You cannot submit new evidence after a decision on your reconsideration.
- Process:
- Timeframe: You have 20 days from the notification of the decision to submit a Request for Reconsideration form.
- Appeal the Reconsideration Decision
- Timeframe: If unsatisfied with the reconsideration outcome, you have 7 days from the notification to submit a Notice of Appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal.
- Process:
- Obtain the Notice of Appeal form from the Child Care Service Centre or the Tribunal.
- Submit the form within the specified timeframe.
- An appeal hearing will be scheduled, typically within 15 business days.
- You can present your case in writing, by teleconference, in person, or via video conference.
- The appeal panel will review the case and make a final decision, usually within five business days of the hearing.
- Representation: You may have someone represent or assist you during the appeal process.
- Process:
- Timeframe: If unsatisfied with the reconsideration outcome, you have 7 days from the notification to submit a Notice of Appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal.