Childcare Support

We explain below how the National Childcare Scheme works, and how you can apply for it. 

National Childcare Scheme

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) gives financial support to families with their early learning and childcare costs. It covers children from ages 24 weeks to 15 years. See a list of participating services: https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/childcare-search/

There are two types of subsidies (contributions of money) available:

• Universal subsidies are not means-tested. They provide €2.14 per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place. They are available for a maximum of 45 hours per week.
• Income Assessed Subsidies are means-tested. They 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. To apply for an Income Assessed subsidy your reckonable family income must be less than €68,000 per year. Your reckonable income is the total income from all sources which will be used for this assessment.

Applying for the National Childcare Scheme

The NCS give you step-by-step guidance on their website on how to apply: https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/application-form-guide/

• They also have a FAQs section you might find helpful: https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/faqs/
• You can also contact their Parent Support Centre by phone (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) on 01 906 8530. They also have a contact form on their website: https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/contact-us/

When your application has been approved

After you have received approval for one of the NCS subsidies, you need to give your chosen childcare provider the Child Identifier Code Key (CHICK) that you got from the NCS. They will use this to claim that subsidy directly from the NCS.

See a list of participating services: www.childcare.ie

Further information on this website

• Preschool Support
• Preparing for the move into preschool

Page created: 10 August 2026

First review due: 11 August 2027