National Childcare Scheme
A subsidy off your registered childcare bill. Every family qualifies for a universal rate, and you can get more based on your income, your child's age and your family size.
Last checked June 2026
What it is
Universal and income-based subsidies toward registered childcare. From September 2026 a fee cap also applies, so a service in the scheme can charge at most €280 a week for a full-time place. More families qualify from then too, as the income limits rise: the lower limit goes from €26,000 to €34,000 and the upper from €60,000 to €68,000.
Who can get it
- Your child attends a registered childcare service in the scheme (a creche, a registered childminder or an after-school service)
- Every family qualifies for the universal subsidy, whatever your income
- Higher, income-assessed subsidies are available based on your household income, your child's age and the number of children you have
- From September 2026 there is also a cap on fees. A service in the Core Funding scheme can charge at most €280 a week for a full 45-hour place, or €336 a week for 50 hours or more.
- After the universal subsidy, a typical 45-hour place costs about €183.70 a week. Families on income-based subsidies pay less again.
- You apply on the NCS website, get your award and bring it to your childcare provider.
How to apply
Applications go through DCEDIY. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 14 June 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
What is the National Childcare Scheme fee cap?
From September 2026 a service in the scheme can charge at most €280 a week for a full-time place. The scheme also gives universal and income-based subsidies towards registered childcare.
Who can claim?
Families using registered childcare can claim. There is a universal subsidy and a higher income-based subsidy. The official page works out your rate.
Related guides
- ECCE (free preschool)
- Child Benefit
- Working Family Payment
- Back to Work Family Dividend
- One-Parent Family Payment
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