National Childcare Scheme

The National Childcare Scheme provides subsidies to help parents meet the cost of quality Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare. It will replace all previous targeted childcare support programmes with a single, streamlined and user friendly Scheme.

Under the National Childcare Scheme, subsidies are available for families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years who are attending any participating Tusla registered childcare service, including any Tusla registered childminder and school age childcare services.

There are two types of subsidies available under the National Childcare Scheme:

Universal Subsidies are available to all families with children under 3 years old. They are also available to families with children over 3 years who have not yet qualified for the free preschool programme (ECCE). This subsidy is not means tested and provides 50c per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place for a maximum of 45 hours per week.

What you will need to apply online:
  • A verified MyGovID account
  • The date of birth and Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) for each of the children you are applying for
Income Assessed Subsidies are available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years. This subsidy is means tested and will be calculated based on your individual circumstances. Your rate will vary depending on your level of family income, your child’s age and educational stage, and the number of children in your family.

If you (and your partner, if you have one) are working, studying or training, the maximum number of subsidised hours available per week are 45.

If you (or your partner, if you have one) are not working, studying or training, the maximum number of subsidised hours available per week are 20.

In both cases the available hours include hours spent in school or preschool. The remaining hours can then be used for 'wrap-around care'. You can read more about wrap-around care in the Frequently Asked Questions.

What you will need to apply online:
  • A verified MyGovID account
  • Your children’s information such as date of birth and PPSN
  • Your employment and income related details
  • Your partner’s PPSN**
  • Your partner’s employment and income related details**
**if you are a member of a couple

To see what you might be eligible for you can use the Childcare Subsidy Calculator.

Please see the following link for more information... https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/

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