National Childcare Scheme 2026 — €2.14/hour subsidy for all families
National Childcare Scheme Ireland 2026
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) cuts the cost of childcare for all families in Ireland. A Universal Subsidy of €2.14/hour applies to every eligible child in an approved childcare setting — no means test. Lower-income families can receive an additional Income-Based Subsidy on top.
NCS 2026 — At a glance
- Universal Subsidy
- €2.14/hour — no means test
- Income-Based Subsidy
- Additional — means-tested
- Eligible age
- 24 weeks to 15 years
- Maximum hours subsidised
- 45 hours/week
- Apply
- ncs.gov.ie — subsidy paid directly to childcare provider
Two types of subsidy
| Subsidy type | Rate (2026) | Means test | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Subsidy | €2.14/hour | None | All children 24 weeks–15 years in approved childcare |
| Income-Based Subsidy | Varies by net income | Yes — net household income assessed | Lower and middle-income families; both parents working/in education |
What the Universal Subsidy saves
At €2.14/hour off the cost of childcare for every eligible child, the annual saving depends on how many hours of childcare you use.
| Hours of childcare per week | Annual saving (Universal Subsidy only) |
|---|---|
| 20 hours/week (50 weeks) | €2,140/year |
| 30 hours/week (50 weeks) | €3,210/year |
| 45 hours/week — maximum (50 weeks) | €4,815/year |
These figures apply per child. Families with 2 or more children receive the subsidy for each child separately.
The Income-Based Subsidy
In addition to the Universal Subsidy, families with lower net household incomes can receive an extra income-based subsidy per hour. The amount tapers down as income rises and phases out above a higher income threshold.
The Income-Based Subsidy is assessed on net reckonable household income — your total income after tax, PRSI, and USC. Revenue data is used automatically when you apply.
Use the NCS subsidy estimator at ncs.gov.ie to calculate your specific income-based entitlement based on your household income and circumstances.
Who qualifies
- The child is aged between 24 weeks and 15 years
- The child attends an NCS-registered childcare provider
- The parent or guardian has a verified MyGovID account and a PPSN for all family members
- For the Income-Based Subsidy: both parents/guardians are generally required to be in employment, education, or training (or qualifying circumstances such as illness or disability)
Approved childcare providers
The NCS applies to childcare provided by:
- Registered crèches, nurseries and childcare centres
- Tusla-registered childminders (childminders caring for 4 or fewer children at home)
- After-school clubs and childcare programmes in NCS-registered settings
School-age children in primary school are covered for childcare outside of school hours (before-school, after-school, holiday programmes) up to age 15.
How to apply
- Log in to ncs.gov.ie
You need a verified MyGovID account. All children in your household and your childcare provider must be registered in the system.
- Select your childcare provider
Your provider must be NCS-registered. Search for them in the ncs.gov.ie portal and link your child to their service.
- NCS calculates your subsidy
The Universal Subsidy is applied automatically. For the Income-Based Subsidy, Revenue provides your income data. You can also submit income details manually if needed.
- Subsidy paid to provider
The subsidy is paid directly to your childcare provider. You only pay the difference — your bill from the childcare provider is reduced by your NCS subsidy amount.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NCS?
Ireland's national childcare subsidy scheme — a €2.14/hour Universal Subsidy (no means test) for children aged 24 weeks to 15 years, plus an additional income-based subsidy for lower-income families.
How much is the subsidy in 2026?
€2.14/hour for all eligible children (Universal Subsidy). Lower-income families receive additional income-based subsidy on top — use the estimator at ncs.gov.ie for your household amount.
Does my childminder qualify?
Yes, if your childminder is registered with Tusla. Unregistered childminders (caring for more than 3 children from different families) do not qualify.
Can I get NCS and ECCE (free preschool) at the same time?
Yes. The ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) scheme provides free preschool hours for children aged 2 years 8 months to school entry. NCS covers childcare before and after ECCE hours and for children outside ECCE age.
Can non-EU immigrants apply?
Yes, for the Universal Subsidy. Any child ordinarily resident in Ireland in approved childcare qualifies. All family members need a PPSN.
- The Universal Subsidy is not means-tested — all families with eligible children in approved childcare receive €2.14/hour regardless of income.
- The subsidy goes to the childcare provider, not directly to the parent — your weekly bill is already reduced when you pay it.
- Both ECCE and NCS can apply to the same child — ECCE covers the free preschool hours, NCS covers before/after those hours.
- School-age children are also covered — the NCS applies to after-school childcare up to age 15, not just babies and toddlers.
- You must apply yourself — childcare providers cannot apply on your behalf. The parent/guardian must register at ncs.gov.ie.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 National Childcare Scheme rates and eligibility rules.