The National Childcare Scheme (NCS)

What is the 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 under the National Childcare Scheme:

• Universal subsidies are available to all families with children between 24 weeks and 15 years of age. It is not means tested and provides €1.40 per hour for up to 45 hours per week off the cost of a Tusla registered childcare place
• Income Assessed subsidies are available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years. They are means tested and will be calculated based on your individual circumstances. The subsidy rate will vary depending on your level of reckonable family income, your child’s age and their educational stage. It can be used towards the cost of a Tusla registered childcare place for up to a maximum of 45 hours per week.  To apply for an Income Assessed subsidy, your reckonable family income has to be less than €60,000 per year. Read more about this in Question 21 of the FAQ's Under the heading How is my income assessed 

For more information on Universal and Income Assessed subsidies click here.

Click to view National Childcare Scheme Information Leaflet and Frequently Asked Questions click.

How to Apply

To apply for the Scheme online you will need to have a verified MyGovID.

Your verified MyGovID is your single, secure account to unlock Irish Government services online. Click here to set up your verified MyGovID before you apply.

For further information relating to the National Childcare Scheme please visit https://ncs.gov.ie/home

Information Booklet for Parents	Information Booklet for Providers	Subsidy Calculator	Subsidy Rates for 2022/2023
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