Universal childcare subsidy

The Universal Subsidy is a childcare subsidy for children over 6 months but under 15 years who are in Tusla-registered childcare.

The subsidy is deducted from the overall bill you get from your childcare provider.

Budget 2024: increase in childcare subsidy

It was announced in Budget 2024, the National Childcare Scheme subsidy rate will increase from €1.40 to €2.14 per hour from September 2024.

To qualify for the Universal Subsidy:

• Your child must be over 6 months (24 weeks) but under 15 years of age.
• Your childcare provider must be registered with Tusla and in a contract with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to offer the Universal Subsidy.

The subsidy is not means-tested.

You cannot get the Universal Subsidy and an income assessed subsidy at the same time. However, you can choose which subsidy is of greatest benefit to you.

The universal childcare subsidy is paid at €1.40 an hour up to a maximum of 45 hours a week to all eligible children.

You can use the subsidy calculator on the NCS website to help work out what your entitlement will be.

For example, if your child is attending childcare for 45 hours a week, the subsidy you could get is €63 per week (€1.40 x 45 hours).

For example, if your child is attending childcare for 20 hours a week, you could get a subsidy of €28 per week (€1.40 x 20 hours).

You should apply for the universal subsidy under the National Childcare Scheme at ncs.gov.ie. You will need:

• A verified MyGovID account
• The date of birth and Personal Public Service (PPS) number for each child you are applying for.

You can apply by post by contacting the Parent Support Centre – see ‘Where to apply’ below. If you apply by post it will take longer to process and may affect the start date when your subsidy can be paid.

The subsidy will be paid directly to your childcare provider and will be deducted from the cost of your childcare.

Your childcare provider must be registered with Tusla. You can get a list of contracted childcare providers on ncs.gov.ie.

You can read more in our document on the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).

To find childcare providers in your area offering the Universal Subsidy contact your City or County Childcare Committee.

You can get a list of contracted childcare providers from the National Childcare Scheme website.

For more information on the National Childcare Scheme visit www.ncs.gov.ie or contact the National Childcare Scheme Parent Support Centre. Call (01) 906 8530 (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday).