Subsidy vs CWELCC: How They Work Together to Lower Your Daycare Bill

Two programs reduce childcare costs in Saskatchewan, and parents often confuse them. CWELCC lowers the base fee at licensed centres to approximately $10 per day. The Saskatchewan child care subsidy further reduces what qualifying families pay. This guide explains the difference and how the two combine at Daisy Days Daycare in Regina SK.

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.

Two Programs, One Goal

CWELCC and the Saskatchewan child care subsidy both aim to make childcare more affordable, but they work in different ways.

CWELCC is a federal-provincial program that reduces the fee charged by licensed, enrolled centres. The subsidy is a provincial program that pays part of the cost for families who qualify.

Because they are separate, they can be used together.

What CWELCC Does

CWELCC reduces the base fee for licensed childcare to approximately $10 per day at enrolled centres.

It applies broadly to families using licensed care, regardless of income, because it lowers the fee itself rather than assessing each household.

Daisy Days Daycare is CWELCC-enrolled, so families here benefit automatically.

What the Subsidy Does

The Saskatchewan child care subsidy is income-tested. It supports families who meet eligibility rules based on household income and circumstances.

It is paid toward the fees charged by a licensed provider, further reducing what a qualifying family pays.

Read our Saskatchewan child care subsidy guide.

How They Combine

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

The result is that some families pay less than $10 per day, while others pay a portion of the fee depending on their assessment.

The two programs stack rather than replace each other.

A Simple Way to Think About It

Think of CWELCC as lowering the sticker price for everyone at a licensed centre, and the subsidy as an additional discount for families who need it most.

Both reduce your out-of-pocket cost, and neither cancels the other out.

Add the childcare expense deduction at tax time and the total saving grows further.

Why Licensed Care Unlocks Both

Both CWELCC and the subsidy apply to licensed childcare. That is a key reason to choose a licensed centre.

Licensed care also gives you regulated ratios, trained staff and health and safety standards — the quality that should come with any childcare.

Read our guide to licensed vs home daycare in Saskatchewan.

The Third Piece: Tax Relief

Beyond CWELCC and subsidy, eligible childcare expenses can reduce your taxable income through the childcare expense deduction when you file your taxes.

Keep your receipts. Daisy Days Daycare provides the documentation families need, including information used for the T778 childcare expenses deduction.

Read our guide to childcare tax receipts and the T778.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is assuming you must choose between the two programs. You do not.

Another is assuming you earn too much for the subsidy without applying. Eligibility is broader than many parents expect.

A third is forgetting to report changes in circumstances, which can affect your support.

How to Find Out What You Will Pay

The only way to know your exact cost is to combine your CWELCC rate with your subsidy assessment. We can help you understand both.

Tell us your child’s age, your schedule and whether you think you may qualify for subsidy, and we will give you a realistic figure.

Read our daycare fees and costs in Regina SK page.

Talk to Us About Your Costs

Childcare funding can feel complicated, but it does not have to be. Our team talks with Regina families about CWELCC and subsidy every week.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CWELCC and the subsidy?

CWELCC lowers the base fee at licensed centres to approximately $10 per day. The Saskatchewan child care subsidy is income-tested and further reduces what qualifying families pay.

Can I use both at once?

Yes. The two programs are separate and can be combined.

Will I pay less than $10 a day?

Some families do, once subsidy is applied. Your exact cost depends on your assessment.

Do both apply to licensed care only?

Yes. Both CWELCC and the subsidy apply to licensed childcare.

How do I find out what I will pay?

Talk to us with your child’s age and schedule, and apply for the subsidy to see your assessment.

Related Reading for Regina Families

• CWELCC Daycare Saskatchewan
• Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI) Guide
• Daycare Fees and Costs in Regina SK
• Childcare Financial Aid Stacking Guide
• Book a Free Daycare Tour