Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI): Eligibility and Income Limits in 2026

The Saskatchewan child care subsidy helps families with the cost of licensed childcare, and it can be combined with CWELCC to bring fees down to a fraction of the market rate. But many Regina parents are unsure whether they qualify. This guide explains how eligibility works in 2026, what income limits mean in practice, and how to find out where your family stands.

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.

What the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) Is

The Saskatchewan child care subsidy is a provincial program that pays part of the cost of licensed childcare for families who meet its eligibility rules. It is separate from CWELCC, the federal-provincial program that reduces licensed fees to approximately $10 per day.

Because the two programs are separate, they can work together. A family that qualifies for subsidy may pay less than $10 per day, because the subsidy is applied on top of the CWELCC reduction.

The subsidy is paid toward the fees charged by a licensed provider. Daisy Days Daycare is a licensed, CWELCC-enrolled centre, so families here can benefit from both.

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility for the Saskatchewan child care subsidy depends mainly on your household income, your family circumstances and whether your child attends a licensed childcare provider.

Families must generally be working, studying or in an approved activity, and the child must be attending licensed care. The program is designed to help families who need childcare in order to work or train.

Because rules and thresholds change from year to year, the most reliable approach is to check the current provincial guidance and apply. Many families who assume they earn too much are surprised to find they qualify.

Understanding Income Limits

Income limits are the threshold above which a family may receive a reduced subsidy or none at all. The limit is not always a single hard cut-off; some programs taper support as income rises.

Household income, family size and the number of children in care all affect the calculation. Two families with the same income can receive different support depending on their circumstances.

Rather than guessing from a headline number, apply and let the program assess your situation. There is no cost to finding out.

How the Subsidy Lowers Your Daycare Bill

At a CWELCC-enrolled centre, eligible families already pay approximately $10 per day. The subsidy is then applied toward that fee for families who qualify.

For some families, the combination brings the daily cost down further. For others, the subsidy covers a portion of the fee. Either way, the effect is a meaningful reduction in a major household expense.

Because Daisy Days Daycare is licensed and CWELCC-enrolled, your subsidy can be applied directly to your fees here.

How to Apply

Applying for the Saskatchewan child care subsidy is a straightforward process. You complete an application, provide information about your household, your income and your childcare arrangements, and submit it for assessment.

You will generally need to show that you are working, studying or in an approved activity, and that your child is in licensed care. Supporting documents may be requested.

Our team can point you to the current application and explain how the subsidy interacts with your fees at Daisy Days Daycare. Read our step-by-step guide to applying for the Saskatchewan child care subsidy.

Subsidy, CWELCC and Tax Relief Together

The three main ways to reduce childcare costs in Saskatchewan are CWELCC, the child care subsidy and the childcare expense deduction at tax time.

CWELCC lowers the base fee at licensed centres. The subsidy further reduces what qualifying families pay. The childcare expense deduction can reduce your taxable income when you file your taxes.

Used together, these can transform childcare from a daunting expense into a manageable one. Read our guide to stacking childcare financial aid.

Common Misunderstandings

Many parents believe the subsidy is only for very low-income families. In practice, the program supports a broad range of working families, and the only way to know is to apply.

Others assume they must choose between CWELCC and subsidy. They do not — the two work together.

Some parents worry that applying is complicated. It is more straightforward than most expect, and help is available.

What to Do If You Do Not Qualify

If you do not qualify for the subsidy, you still benefit from CWELCC at a licensed centre, and you may still claim childcare expenses on your taxes.

You can also reapply if your circumstances change — a new child, a change in income or a change in work status can affect eligibility.

Talk to us about your situation and we will help you understand your options.

Why Licensed Care Matters for Subsidy

The subsidy applies to licensed childcare. That is one more reason to choose a licensed centre rather than an informal arrangement.

Licensed care also gives you regulated ratios, trained staff, health and safety standards and CWELCC funding. The subsidy is simply an additional layer of support on top.

Read our guide to licensed vs home daycare in Saskatchewan.

Getting Help With Your Application

If the paperwork feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Our team talks with Regina families about childcare funding every week and can explain how the pieces fit together.

We can tell you how subsidy interacts with your fees at Daisy Days Daycare and what documentation you will need.

Call 306-807-3233, email info@daisydaysdaycare.com, or book a free tour to discuss your family’s situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the Saskatchewan child care subsidy?

Eligibility depends mainly on household income, family circumstances and whether your child attends a licensed provider. Families generally need to be working, studying or in an approved activity.

Is there an income limit for the subsidy?

Yes, income limits apply, and support may taper as income rises. Household income, family size and the number of children in care all affect the calculation.

Can I get the subsidy and CWELCC at the same time?

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

Does the subsidy apply to any daycare?

The subsidy applies to licensed childcare. Daisy Days Daycare is a licensed, CWELCC-enrolled centre.

How do I find out if I qualify?

Apply through the provincial program. There is no cost to finding out, and our team can help you understand the process.

Related Reading for Regina Families

• Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) Guide
• How to Apply for the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI)
• CWELCC Daycare Saskatchewan
• Daycare Fees and Costs in Regina SK
• Book a Free Daycare Tour