How to reduce the cost of your early learning and childcare – Government supports for families in Ireland

Sponsored by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Thousands of eligible families can access up to 45 weekly hours of government-subsidised early learning and childcare for children aged 24 weeks and older.
Currently, thousands of families benefit from National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidies across the State.
Subsidies start at €2.14 per hour but depending on your child’s age and family income, you may be eligible for higher rates up to €5.10 per hour.
These subsidies can be used to cut the cost of early learning and childcare across a range of Tusla-registered early learning and childcare services, including childminders.
Families should visit www.ncs.gov.ie for further information, including details on how to apply.

How do I apply for an NCS subsidy?
Applications are open for families whose children are aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age and are attending a Tusla-registered early learning and childcare service that offers the NCS. Families can apply for the NCS while availing of the free preschool programme, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), or when their children are attending school. You simply claim on the NCS for the hours your child attends outside of ECCE or school.
The fastest way to apply for the NCS is online at www.ncs.gov.ie using your Public Services Card. Those without a PSC can contact the Scheme Administrator, Pobal, on 01 906 8530 to request a paper application.
Once an application has been approved, you’ll received a Childcare Identifier Code Key (CHICK) to give to your chosen early learning and childcare provider.
It’s important to remember that once your chosen provider has registered your hours, you’ll need to confirm that claim. You can confirm a claim by going to the My Claims page of your portal. Until this is done, the Department will not pay the subsidy to your provider on your behalf.

Do I need to make a new application if I have a second child?
No, all children under 15 years of age should be added to the same application. Simply add children to your existing application through the Parental Portal on www.ncs.gov.ie.

How do I find an early learning and childcare provider that offers the NCS?
The NCS is open to all early learning and childcare providers who are registered with Tusla, and who are contracted with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to offer the Scheme.
You can use the Childcare Search Function to search the full list of NCS contracted service providers, including childminders who are registered with the scheme.
The Childcare Search Function will also show you the fee options available at each service provider.
You can also contact your local City/County Childcare Committee for support and information on the Scheme, as well as available services in your locale. More information on your local CCC may be found here.