The Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) is BC’s most significant income-tested childcare subsidy — providing up to $1,250/month for licensed infant and toddler care. For Coquitlam families using licensed group care, the ACCB can be the difference between childcare being affordable and unaffordable. This is the step-by-step application guide for 2026.
What the ACCB Covers
The ACCB is a monthly payment made directly to families (not to the childcare centre) to help offset the cost of licensed childcare. For Group Child Care Under 36 Months (the category that covers Coquitlam infant and toddler centres), the maximum ACCB in 2026 is:
- Up to $1,250/month for children under 36 months in licensed group care
- Amount is income-tested: families with household income under ~$45,000/year typically receive maximum benefit; families up to ~$111,000/year receive partial benefit; above $111,000 the benefit phases out
- Calculated based on your most recent Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA
- Applies on top of CCFRI (the automatic $900/month fee reduction at participating centres like Smiling Kids)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the ACCB
Step 1: Confirm Your Licensed Centre Participates in CCFRI
Before applying for ACCB, confirm that your childcare centre participates in BC’s Childcare Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI). If it does, CCFRI reduces your fees automatically (up to $900/month) — ACCB is then applied on top of whatever you pay after CCFRI. Smiling Kids participates in CCFRI.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You will need:
- Your most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment (NOA) for your income (and your spouse/partner’s if applicable) — accessible at My Account at canada.ca
- Your childcare centre’s licence number — the number printed on the Fraser Health licence posted at the centre (or ask the centre directly)
- Your child’s BC Services Card number (the health card number for your child)
- Your confirmed childcare start date — the ACCB is not retroactive, so you want to apply before your child’s first day
Step 3: Apply Online at childcare.gov.bc.ca
Go to childcare.gov.bc.ca and select “Apply for Affordable Child Care Benefit.” You will need a BCeID (basic or business) or BC Services Card login to access the application.
The application takes approximately 20–30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Step 4: Receive Your Eligibility Letter
Once approved, you receive a letter stating your monthly ACCB amount and the period it covers. This letter is sent to you — not to the childcare centre. Keep it for your records.
Step 5: Provide Your Licence Number to the Centre and Confirm Billing
Share your approved ACCB amount with your childcare centre. The centre will adjust your monthly invoice to reflect your ACCB payment. At Smiling Kids, your monthly bill = (Full fee) – (CCFRI) – (ACCB) = your out-of-pocket amount.
Step 6: Renew Annually
The ACCB renews annually — you must reapply or update your information each year. BC sends reminders, but do not miss the renewal deadline or your benefit will lapse. Benefits are not retroactive: if your benefit lapses, you cannot recover the missed months.
ACCB and CCFRI Together: What Coquitlam Families Actually Pay
Example for a Coquitlam family with $85,000 household income using Smiling Kids (licensed Group Child Care Under 36 Months):
- Full fee (example): $1,700/month
- Less CCFRI: –$900/month
- Less ACCB (example at this income): –$600/month
- Net out-of-pocket: $200/month
Actual ACCB amounts vary by income. Use BC’s online ACCB calculator at childcare.gov.bc.ca to estimate your benefit before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions — ACCB for Coquitlam Families
Can I apply for ACCB before my child’s first day?
Yes — and you should. The ACCB is not retroactive. Apply as soon as you have a confirmed start date and your licence number from the centre. If your application takes 4 weeks to process, apply at least 4 weeks before your child’s first day.
What if I don’t have a Notice of Assessment because I didn’t file taxes?
You must have filed taxes to receive an NOA. If you have not filed, file immediately through the CRA. First Nations individuals and some newcomers may have alternate income verification options — contact the BC Government childcare team at 1-888-338-6622 for guidance.
Does the ACCB count as income?
No. The ACCB is not taxable income and does not appear on your T4 or require reporting on your federal income tax return.
Apply Now and Get Started at Smiling Kids
Apply for the ACCB at childcare.gov.bc.ca. Once approved, call Smiling Kids at 604-600-4393 or contact us online to confirm your spot and start your billing adjustment.
For the complete 2026 guide to BC childcare subsidies — CCFRI ($10/day), ACCB eligibility, and application steps: BC childcare subsidy eligibility 2026. Licensed daycare in Coquitlam: daycare Coquitlam.
