The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) explained

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is a Republic of Ireland government subsidy that reduces the cost of registered childcare. Northern Ireland uses different childcare-support arrangements. There are two types: a universal subsidy every family with a child from 24 weeks up to age 15 can get regardless of income, and an income-assessed subsidy worth more to lower-income families. The amount you receive is worked out from four things, your family income, your child's age, how many children you have, and how many hours of childcare you use, so the surest way to know your figure is the official NCS calculator.

Last reviewed

What could your family pay? Use our NCS calculator to compare estimated subsidies and see your weekly childcare bill for one or more children.

What the NCS is

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) lowers the cost of registered childcare by paying a subsidy straight to your provider, so your bill is reduced. It replaced several older childcare subsidy schemes and is run through ncs.gov.ie. There are two kinds of subsidy.

The two types of subsidy

1. Universal subsidy, everyone qualifies

  • Available for any child from 24 weeks up to 15 years old.
  • Not means-tested: your income is irrelevant.
  • Provides €2.14 per hour for up to 45 eligible hours a week, at the rate checked on 15 September 2026.

2. Income-assessed subsidy, worth more on lower incomes

  • Also for children from 24 weeks up to 15 years.
  • Means-tested on your family's reckonable income.
  • The hourly rate can be substantially higher than the universal rate.

You don't pick one or the other, when you apply, the scheme works out which you qualify for. If you're eligible for the income-assessed subsidy it's normally the higher amount, so it's worth applying even if you're not sure you'll qualify.

How your amount is worked out (the calculator logic)

For the income-assessed subsidy, four things decide how much you get:

  1. Your family income: lower reckonable income means a higher hourly subsidy.
  2. Your child's age and stage: younger children attract a higher rate; the rate steps down as they get older and once they're in school.
  3. How many children you have: a multi-child adjustment can increase what you receive.
  4. How many childcare hours you use: the subsidy is paid per hour, up to your weekly cap (see below).

The exact hourly rates and the income thresholds are set by the government and change most years, which is why we don't quote figures here that would quickly go out of date. To get an accurate estimate for your own family, use the official calculator: gov.ie: National Childcare Scheme and subsidy calculator.

Worked example using the universal rate

Suppose a provider's gross weekly fee is €250 and your child uses 40 eligible hours. At the universal rate checked on 15 September 2026, the subsidy would be 40 × €2.14 = €85.60, leaving an illustrative balance of €164.40.

This is an arithmetic example, not a quote or an individual award. The provider's fee, eligible hours and your subsidy rate may differ. Use the official NCS calculator for your circumstances.

How many hours NCS can cover

The universal subsidy can apply to up to 45 hours a week of registered childcare. For an income-assessed subsidy, the award can use standard or enhanced hours depending on the family's work, study or training circumstances. The subsidy is paid only for childcare hours actually used, up to the hours on the award.

Do not use the standard/enhanced distinction as a rule for the universal subsidy. Check your CHICK award or use the official NCS calculator for the current hours and rate that apply to your family.

Using NCS with ECCE and school

NCS is designed to sit alongside the free preschool hours under the ECCE scheme: use ECCE for the free 3 preschool hours and NCS to subsidise wraparound care before or after preschool. Once your child starts school, NCS can help with before-school and after-school care too. If you're planning that transition, see when to apply for primary school and the starting school checklist.

How to apply

  1. Set up a verified MyGovID account and gather each child's PPS number and date of birth.
  2. Apply online at ncs.gov.ie. For the income-assessed subsidy you can let it check your income automatically via Revenue (fast track) or upload documents yourself.
  3. Give your provider the CHICK code you receive so the subsidy is applied to your fees. Choose a registered provider, browse creches and preschools near you and check they're signed up to NCS.

For the current rates, thresholds and full rules, always check the official scheme: gov.ie: National Childcare Scheme.

Frequently asked questions

What is the National Childcare Scheme?

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is a government scheme that pays a subsidy directly to your registered childcare provider to reduce your fees. It is run by the Department of Children and administered through ncs.gov.ie. The subsidy comes off your bill, so you pay the provider the reduced amount.

What is the difference between the universal and income-assessed subsidy?

The universal subsidy is available to every family with a child aged from 24 weeks up to 15 years, is not means-tested, and pays a flat rate per hour. The income-assessed subsidy is means-tested and can be worth considerably more per hour to families on lower incomes. You cannot claim both at once, the scheme gives you whichever you qualify for and, if eligible for the income-assessed rate, that is normally the higher one.

How is my NCS subsidy amount worked out?

For the income-assessed subsidy the amount depends on four things: your family's reckonable income, your child's age and educational stage, the number of children in your family, and the number of childcare hours you use. Younger children and lower incomes attract a higher hourly rate. Because the rates and income thresholds change from year to year, use the official NCS calculator for your exact figure.

How many hours of childcare does NCS subsidise?

The universal subsidy can apply to up to 45 hours of registered childcare a week. For an income-assessed award, the number of subsidised hours can depend on your family's work, study or training circumstances. Your award and the childcare hours actually used determine what is paid, so check your CHICK award or the official NCS calculator rather than assuming one cap applies to every family.

Can I use the National Childcare Scheme with ECCE?

Yes. NCS is designed to work alongside the free ECCE preschool hours, you can use NCS for childcare hours outside of ECCE, such as care before or after preschool, or for a longer day. This is a common way for working parents to cover a full day at an affordable cost.

How do I apply for the National Childcare Scheme?

Apply online at ncs.gov.ie. You'll need a verified MyGovID account and each child's PPS number and date of birth. For the income-assessed subsidy you can use the 'fast track' option, which checks your income automatically using Revenue records, or submit documents manually. Once approved you give your provider a CHICK code and the subsidy is applied to your fees. A paper application is also available if you can't apply online.

More parent guides

Useful links

Last reviewed 15 September 2026. This guide is general information to help you plan, it is not official advice. Scheme rules, dates and amounts can change, so always confirm the current details with the relevant scheme or with your child's school before you rely on them.