If your child is already receiving BC’s Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) and your approval period is approaching its end, you need to know exactly what renewal looks like — and what happens if you miss it. This guide covers the renewal timeline, what triggers a new application, and how to avoid a payment gap.
Does ACCB Auto-Renew in BC?
ACCB in BC is not automatically renewed. Families must submit a new ACCB application each time their approval period ends. Approval periods are typically tied to the length of your Notice of Assessment (NOA) income information on file — usually one year.
ACCB Renewal Timeline
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| BC Government sends renewal notice | ~60 days before approval expires |
| Submit new ACCB application | At least 30 days before expiry to avoid gap |
| Processing time for renewal | 4–6 weeks |
| Coverage gap if late | You pay full fee until new approval processes |
What Triggers a New ACCB Application (Not Just Renewal)?
- Child moves to a new licensed daycare centre
- Significant change in household income (up or down)
- Change in childcare schedule (days per week, hours)
- New child requiring separate care and a new application
- Return to care after a break of 30+ days
What Happens If ACCB Lapses?
If your ACCB approval expires and your renewal hasn’t processed yet, you temporarily pay the full fee minus CCFRI only. For a family receiving $800/month in ACCB, a 4-week processing gap means approximately $200–$800 in out-of-pocket fees during that period. The gap cannot be retroactively reimbursed once it passes — ACCB does not backdate for renewal lapses.
How to Track Your ACCB Status
- Log in to your ACCB account at the BC Government portal
- Set a calendar reminder for 60 days before your expected expiry
- Ask your daycare centre — they receive notifications when ACCB is about to lapse
At Smiling Kids Coquitlam, we proactively alert families when we receive notice of an upcoming lapse. 📞 604-600-4393
