Financial Support
National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is a government programme that helps families with the cost
of early learning and school-age childcare. It provides financial support through childcare subsidies,
which are paid directly to participating childcare providers.
Who Can Get the NCS?
- Children from 24 weeks old up to 15 years.
- Parents or guardians using a Tusla-registered childcare provider or registered childminder participating in the scheme.
There are two types of subsidies for Parents
1. Universal Subsidy
- Available to all families, regardless of income.
- Provides a set hourly discount for up to 45 hours perweek of childcare.
- Subsidy is automatically applied once you have your NCS CHICK code registered with your provider.
2. Income-Assessed Subsidy
- Based on household income, the number of children, and the child’s age.
- Offers higher levels of support compared to the universal subsidy.
- The subsidy amount varies depending on your“reckonable income.”
To visit the NCS subsidy webpage, click below or click on the link to access the subsidy calculator for eligibility.
How the Scheme Works
- Parents apply online using MyGovID.
- Once approved, you receive a unique CHICKcode.
- Provide the CHICK code to your childcare provider.
- The subsidy is paid directly to the provider, and your fees are reduced accordingly.
What You Need to Apply
- A verified MyGovID account
- Your child’s PPS number and date of birth
- Your own PPS number
- Income details (if applying for an income-assessed subsidy)
Key Benefits
- Makes childcare more affordable for families
- Supports parents returning to work or education
- Helps children access high-quality early learning experiences
For further details on the National Childcare Scheme, please see the National Childcare Website at:
https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/
Please note: To avail of the National Childcare Scheme:
- Your childcare provider must be registered with Tusla and participating in the NCS.
- You must confirm your childcare hours when prompted to ensure your subsidy continues.
Under the National Childcare Scheme Website you can also search for childcare near you: Childcare-search
You can also check out the Childcare&Me App developed by Roscommon County Childcare for an easy GPS access to Childcare in your area anywhere in Ireland
You can also check out the Childcare&Me App developed by Roscommon County Childcare for an easy GPS access to Childcare in your area anywhere in Ireland
Early Childhood Care & Education
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age. Children can start ECCE when they are 2 years and 8 months of age and continue until they transfer to primary school (provided that they are not older than 5 years and 6 months at the end of the pre-school year) – see rules.
The State pays participating playschools and daycare services a set amount per child to offer the ECCE service. In return, participating centres and playschools provide a pre-school service free of charge to all children within the qualifying age range. The service is for a set number of hours over a set period of weeks (see ‘How the ECCE scheme is provided’).
ECCE is not affected by the introduction of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) – this scheme provides financial support towards the cost of childcare for the hours spent outside of pre-school. You can read more on ncs.gov.ie.
Eligible Age Range
The programme is available to all children who have turned 2 years and 8 months of age before 1 September. They can continue until they transfer to primary school as long they won’t turn 5 years and 6 months on or before 30 June of the programme year.
Exemptions from age limit
If your child is over the eligibility age requirement due to special needs they may be able to get an exemption from the upper age limit for the ECCE Scheme.
There are no exemptions to the lower age limit.