NCS Scheme

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help with your childcare costs.

There are two types of childcare subsidy for children over 6 months of age:

A universal subsidy for children under 3. Children over 3 who have not yet qualified for the ECCE are also eligible. It is not means tested.

An income-assessed subsidy for children up to 15. It is means tested.

You can apply online for the subsidy here using your MyGovID. See the Application Guide for assistance on how to apply.

To make a paper application, please contact the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530. The Parent Support Centre will then send you an application form by post.

Your childcare provider, including childminders and school-age childcare services, must be registered with Tusla and have a National Childcare Scheme contract with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

The subsidy will be paid directly to your childcare provider. Your provider then will subtract your subsidy from your childcare bill.