Parenting is expensive — but what’s more frustrating is how many financial supports exist that no one tells you about. Every year, Canadian families miss out on thousands of dollars in unclaimed benefits and tax credits. Not because they’re careless, but because they simply didn’t know to look.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the cost of camps, daycare, therapy, or extracurriculars, this is your permission to dig a little deeper. These aren’t loopholes. They’re legitimate, often-overlooked ways to ease the financial load of raising kids.

The Child Care Deduction: What Counts (and What Doesn’t)

If you pay for childcare so you can work, go to school, or even search for a job, you may be eligible for the Child Care Expense Deduction. Qualifying expenses include daycares, summer day camps, and before-and-after-school programs. What doesn’t count are overnight camps or tutoring services — two common misconceptions.

The deduction must usually be claimed by the lower-income spouse, which catches a lot of people off guard. There are also age limits and yearly maximums, depending on your child’s age and needs. To claim it, make sure you keep all receipts and registration numbers — these details matter at tax time, even if it feels tedious now.

For Alberta Parents: There’s More Help Than You Think

If you live in Alberta, you may qualify for the Child Care Subsidy or the Affordability Grant. These programs apply to licensed care — including many summer camps and day homes — and they reduce your monthly fees directly, rather than through your tax return.

Even if you’re unsure whether you meet the income threshold, it’s worth applying. The criteria are more flexible than many people realize, and getting approved can make a real difference to your family’s monthly budget.

Ask What Else Exists — Even If It’s Not Advertised

Not all benefits are obvious. Some employers offer dependent care programs or flexible health spending accounts that cover camp or therapy costs, but don’t always explain them clearly in onboarding. If you’re not sure, ask HR. Similarly, some camps offer financial aid or sliding scale pricing but don’t post that information publicly. A quick email or phone call could open the door to more affordable access.

The “Wait, I Can Claim That?” Section

Beyond childcare and camps, here are some everyday parenting expenses that might be eligible — and often aren’t claimed:

• If you or your child has celiac disease and a doctor’s note, the difference in cost between gluten-free and regular food is claimable.
• Out-of-pocket therapy sessions with registered mental health professionals can be claimed as medical expenses — for both you and your children.
• The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) applies to more conditions than most people think, including ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Once approved, it can lead to retroactive payments and ongoing tax-free benefits.
• If you’ve had to drive more than 40 km (one way) for medical care not available locally, you can claim mileage, and sometimes meals and accommodations.
• Alberta parents can also claim up to $500 per child for physical activity and artistic programs under the province’s Children’s Activity Tax Credit — from soccer to piano lessons.
• Professional fees and union dues — like teacher union memberships or licensing fees — are deductible for most professions.
• If you worked from home in 2024, you might still be eligible to claim up to $500 using the simplified flat-rate method.
• If you support a relative with a disability or aging parent, you may qualify for the Caregiver Tax Credit.
• And if you or your child moved more than 40 km to attend post-secondary school or start a new job, some of those relocation expenses may also be deductible.

Common Mistakes That Cost Families Money

Many families miss out on these benefits simply because they don’t know to keep receipts, think they earn too much to qualify, or assume a program isn’t deductible when it actually is. Others lose out on retroactive payments because they didn’t realize a diagnosis — like ADHD or anxiety — could make their child eligible for the DTC or additional medical expense claims.

It’s also easy to pick the “wrong” programs — ones that aren’t officially licensed or registered — and find out later they aren’t deductible.

You Deserve to Know What You’re Entitled To

No one teaches you this stuff. And when you’re already juggling school drop-offs, sick days, and summer scheduling, researching tax credits understandably falls to the bottom of the list.

But doing a little digging now could lead to real financial relief — even a refund you weren’t expecting. Because while parenting may not come with a manual, your taxes might just come with a break. And you deserve to take it.