NCS – National Childcare Scheme

What is the National Childcare Scheme?

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) launched in November 2019 to provide financial support for parents towards the cost of their childcare. The introduction of the NCS was a landmark moment for making high quality childcare more affordable and accessible to families in Ireland. Further enhancements to the scheme were provided for under Budget 22/23 and came into effect on the 1st of January 2023.

The NCS is a streamlined scheme where parents continue to have access to a subsidy to meet the cost of their childcare.

There are two types of subsidies available to apply for under the National Childcare Scheme.

Subsidy Types

Universal Subsidies 

These are available to all families with children between 24 weeks and 15 years of age. This subsidy is not means tested and provides €1.40 per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place for a maximum of 45 hours per week. Parents can only claim for the hours that their child attends the service.

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

These 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. Your subsidy can be used outside of school or ECCE hours, for example:

  • childcare used before preschool or school starts in the morning (e.g. breakfast club)
  • after-school childcare
  • childcare used outside of preschool or school term weeks

Again, you can only apply for the number of hours your child attends the service.

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

 

The Scheme is suitable for children, in the necessary age bracket, who are attending any participating Tusla registered childcare service, including any Tusla registered childminder.

There will be 2 subsidies available under the National Childcare Scheme:

1. Universal Subsidies are available to all families with children under three years old. This subsidy is not means tested.

2. Income Assessed Subsidies. 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.

Applications for the NCS can be processed via the government website. You can apply and also find out more information below.