Government of New Brunswick

Need Help with Childcare Expenses?

The Daycare Assistance Program (DAP) is offered through the Department of Social Development to provide financial support to low- and middle-income families with children attending a non-designated Early Learning and Child Care facility or who have school-age children. The Daycare Assistance Program is based on a sliding scale between $0 to $55,000 net income (after deductions), and considers childcare fees, the number of children, and the total annual net household income.

If you do not have access to an approved early learning and childcare facility, you may be eligible for assistance under the Alternative Child Care Program.

For more information, please call toll-free 1-833-733-7835

Are you eligible?

Families are eligible for the Daycare Assistance Program if:

  • They have a preschool-aged child registered in a licenced non-designated Early Learning and Child Care facility; AND/OR
  • They have a school-aged child registered in a licensed Early Learning and Child Care or a designated New Brunswick Early Learning Centre; AND
  • They are a resident of New Brunswick; and
  • They are either working, in a training or education program or have a special circumstance; and
  • Their net annual household income (after deductions) is $55,000 or less.

What are the Day Care Assistance program rates?

To see how much you may be eligible to receive, please review the Day Care Assistance Rate Table for Licensed Care

*If you are considered a high school student, you may be eligible to receive a higher childcare subsidy rate of $27.00 per day for full-time childcare or $13.50 per day for part-time childcare. This benefit is not income tested, however proof of enrollment in the training program is required and you must have access to an approved child daycare facility. 

To find out if you qualify for a child care subsidy with the Day Care Assistance Program and/or the Alternative Child Care Program, you must call your regional Social Development office:

  • Acadian Peninsula
    1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835)
  • Chaleur
    1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835)
  • Edmundston
    1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835)
  • Fredericton
    1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835)
  • Miramichi 
    1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835)
  • Moncton
    1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835)
  • Restigouche
    1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835)
  • Saint John
    1-833-SDDStel (1-833-733-7835)


Note: Families whose preschool aged children attend a designated Early Learning and Child Care facility may be eligible for the Parent Subsidy Program.  Please see the Parent Portal,  Childcare Financial Assistance for more information.