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
How much will childcare cost after September 2026?
From September 2026 a service in the scheme can charge at most €280 a week for a full 45-hour place. After the universal subsidy comes off, a typical full-time place costs about €183.70 a week, and families on income-based subsidies pay less again.
What are the new National Childcare Scheme income limits?
From September 2026 more families qualify, as the income limits rise: the lower limit goes from €26,000 to €34,000 and the upper limit from €60,000 to €68,000. Every family still qualifies for the universal subsidy whatever their income.
How do I apply for the National Childcare Scheme?
You apply on the NCS website, get your award, and bring it to a registered childcare provider in the scheme (a creche, a registered childminder or an after-school service). The official page works out your exact rate.
Related guides
- ECCE (free preschool)
- Child Benefit
- Working Family Payment
- Back to Work Family Dividend
- One-Parent Family Payment
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