CHILDCARE & YOUR FAMILY BUDGET
What could your childcare cost?
Estimate your National Childcare Scheme subsidy, then see what’s left to pay. Add each child to see your family’s weekly total.
NCS calculator · Rules from 31 August 2026 · Reviewed 15 September 2026
How the estimate works
We compare each child’s weekly universal subsidy with their income-assessed estimate and show the larger amount. A higher hourly rate does not always produce a higher weekly subsidy because the hours limits can differ.
The universal rate is €2.14 per eligible hour, for up to 45 hours a week. Income-assessed maximum hourly rates are €5.10 for infants under one, €4.35 for ages one and two, €3.95 for children aged three to six who are not at school, and €3.75 for school-age children. Ordinary eligibility starts after 24 weeks and ends at the fifteenth birthday.
From 31 August 2026, the income thresholds are €34,000 and €68,000. We deduct €5,500 for two children under 15, or €11,000 for three or more, before applying those thresholds. Between the thresholds, the hourly rate tapers from the age-band maximum towards €2.14. Hourly rates are rounded to cents before calculating weekly support.
Fees, ECCE and monthly totals
Enter your provider’s weekly fee after any ECCE reduction but before NCS, for the care you are estimating. We cap the illustrated subsidy at that fee and never show a negative bill. Separate extras may still be payable; confirm the provider’s fee breakdown.
Monthly figures are weekly amounts × 52 ÷ 12. They assume the same care every week, so they are not term-time quotes or forecasts across birthdays, school changes or future scheme changes. Sponsored awards and individual eligibility exceptions are not calculated.