What is the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)?
The NCS provides financial support to help families reduce their early learning and childcare costs. Subsidies are available for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years who are attending any participating Tusla-registered early learning and childcare service, including Tusla-registered childminders. The subsidy can cover all hours of care used outside of the ECCE programme and school, including after-school care.
Type of Subsidies
There are two types of subsidies available to apply for under the National Childcare Scheme:
Universal subsidies 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.
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.
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
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.
For more information on the Scheme, including how to apply, you can visit www.NCS.gov.ie or contact the Parent Support Centre on 01-9068530.
Who can I contact for further advice on these supports?
For further advice on supports available to you, or to find a Tusla registered early learning and childcare service in County Wicklow, you can contact Wicklow County Childcare Committee on 0404-64455.
To see a list of services, what they offer and their fees, visit the Childcare Search function on www.NCS.gov.ie or contact Wicklow County Childcare Committee for advice.
There are three types of subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme: an Universal subsidy an Income Assessed subsidy and a Sponsor Referral.
Universal Subsidies
Are available to all families with children under 3 years old, or families with children over 3 years who have not yet qualified for the free preschool (ECCE) programme. It is not means tested and provides 50 cent per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place for up to a maximum of 45 hours per week.
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. The subsidy can be used towards the cost of a registered childcare place for up to a maximum of 45 hours if you are working, studying or training, or in circumstances where you are unavailable for childcare, and a maximum of 15 hours if you are not working, studying or training.
Sponsor Referral
The NCS makes special arrangements for vulnerable children and families, a referral is required from a Sponsor Body for a Sponsor Referral.
Section 14 of the Childcare Support Act 2018 allows special arrangements where a child can be referred by certain Statutory Organisations for an NCS subsidy where childcare is needed on child welfare, child protection, family support or other specified grounds. There are strict criteria applicable for a referral to be made. The need for a referral is determined by the relevant Sponsor Body and their decision is based on the particular need of the child in line with their defined criteria.
For further information on the subsidies including FAQ’s and How to Apply visit the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) website.
The NCS website also includes the NCS Subsidy Calculator; a useful tool to help you estimate how much subsidy you may be eligible to apply for.
The National Childcare Scheme Parent Support Centre
Is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm Telephone: 01 906 8530.
You can also contact the Wicklow County Childcare Committee for information and support on 0404 64455.
