How to Apply for the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) in 2026

Applying for the Saskatchewan child care subsidy does not have to be confusing. This step-by-step guide walks Regina parents through the process in 2026 — what the subsidy is, what you need before you apply, how the application works, and how to make sure your support is applied to your daycare fees at Daisy Days Daycare.

Note: The Saskatchewan Child Care Subsidy was replaced by the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) in 2024. The SEI provides a monthly benefit to lower-income working families. Check current eligibility and amounts on the Government of Saskatchewan SEI page.

Before You Apply: What You Need to Know

The Saskatchewan child care subsidy is a provincial program that helps families pay for licensed childcare. It is separate from CWELCC, which reduces licensed fees to approximately $10 per day, and the two can be combined.

Before you apply, it helps to understand that the subsidy is assessed on your household circumstances — your income, your family size and your need for childcare in order to work, study or train.

You do not need to be enrolled at a specific centre to find out whether you qualify, but the subsidy is applied to licensed care.

Step 1: Confirm Your Childcare Is Licensed

The subsidy applies to licensed childcare providers. If you are considering Daisy Days Daycare, you are already looking at a licensed, CWELCC-enrolled centre.

If you are comparing options, confirm that any provider you choose is licensed. Licensed care gives you regulated ratios, trained staff and health and safety standards as well as subsidy eligibility.

Read our guide to licensed vs home daycare in Saskatchewan.

Step 2: Gather Your Information

You will need basic information about your household: who lives in the home, your income, your child’s details and your childcare arrangements.

You will also generally need to show that you are working, studying or in an approved activity. Supporting documents may be requested as part of the assessment.

Having this information ready before you start makes the application faster.

Step 3: Complete the Application

The application asks for your household and income details and information about your childcare. Complete it carefully and honestly — accuracy speeds up the assessment.

If a question is unclear, ask. Our team can explain how the subsidy interacts with your fees at Daisy Days Daycare.

Submit the application and keep a copy of what you sent for your records.

Step 4: Respond to Any Requests

The program may ask for additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly, because delays in responding delay your assessment.

Keep an eye on your mail and email during the process so nothing is missed.

If you are unsure what is being asked, contact the program or ask us for guidance.

Step 5: Understand Your Assessment

Once assessed, you will learn whether you qualify and how much support you will receive. Support may cover a portion of your fee or, for some families, bring your daily cost below the CWELCC rate.

The amount depends on your income, family size and circumstances. Two families with similar incomes can receive different support.

If you disagree with an assessment, ask about the review process.

Step 6: Apply the Subsidy to Your Fees

Once approved, your subsidy is applied toward your childcare fees at your licensed provider. At Daisy Days Daycare, we work with families to make sure the support is reflected correctly.

Tell us as soon as your subsidy is approved so we can update your account and give you an accurate fee figure.

If your circumstances change, let both the program and us know, because your support may need to be reassessed.

Timelines and What to Expect

Assessments take time, so apply as early as you can — ideally before your child starts care. Applying early means support is in place sooner.

If you are on a waitlist for a space, you can still explore your subsidy eligibility in the meantime.

Ask the program about current processing times when you apply.

Keeping Your Subsidy Up to Date

Subsidy eligibility can change when your income, family or work situation changes. Report changes promptly to avoid overpayment or interruption.

The program may reassess your file periodically. Respond to any requests for updated information.

If your child leaves care or changes provider, tell the program and us.

Combining Subsidy With CWELCC and Tax Relief

The subsidy is one of three main ways to reduce childcare costs. CWELCC lowers the base fee at licensed centres, the subsidy further reduces what qualifying families pay, and the childcare expense deduction can reduce your taxable income at tax time.

Used together, these can make licensed childcare genuinely affordable. Read our guide to stacking childcare financial aid.

Call 306-807-3233, email info@daisydaysdaycare.com, or book a free tour to talk through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Saskatchewan child care subsidy?

You complete a provincial application with your household, income and childcare information, submit it for assessment, and respond to any requests for documents.

How long does the subsidy application take?

Processing times vary. Apply as early as you can, ideally before your child starts care, so support is in place sooner.

Do I need to be enrolled at a daycare to apply?

You do not need to be enrolled to find out whether you qualify, but the subsidy is applied to licensed childcare.

Can I combine the subsidy with CWELCC?

Yes. The subsidy is separate from CWELCC and can be combined with it for families who qualify.

What if my circumstances change?

Report changes promptly to the program and to your daycare, because your support may need to be reassessed.

Related Reading for Regina Families

• Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) Guide
• Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) Eligibility 2026
• Daycare Fees and Costs in Regina SK
• CWELCC Daycare Saskatchewan
• Book a Free Daycare Tour