The Complete Guide to National Childcare Scheme (NCS) in Ireland

Navigating childcare funding in Ireland can feel like a full-time job. The good news is that the National Childcare Scheme, or NCS, is designed to make quality childcare more affordable for thousands of families. Whether you're using a creche, a childminder, or after-school care, the NCS provides financial support to help with the costs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the different types of subsidies to the application process, helping you make the most of the support available.

Quick summary

• What is it? The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is a government programme that provides financial subsidies to help families with their childcare costs.
• Two types of subsidy: There's a universal subsidy for all families and an income-assessed subsidy which provides a higher level of support for those with a reckonable family income under €68,000.
• Universal rate: The universal subsidy is worth €2.14 per hour for up to 45 hours per week.
• Who is eligible? It covers children from 24 weeks old up to their 15th birthday who are attending any Tusla-registered childcare provider, including most creches and many childminders.
• How to apply: The easiest way is online at ncs.gov.ie using a verified MyGovID. You will receive a unique code called a CHICK (Childcare Identifier Code Key).
• Finding a provider: Once you have your CHICK, you can find a participating provider on Crechely's creche search.

Understanding the Two Types of NCS Subsidy

The NCS isn't a one-size-fits-all scheme. It has two main components designed to provide support where it's needed most.

1. The Universal Subsidy

As the name suggests, the universal subsidy is for everyone, regardless of income. It is a straightforward payment that helps to reduce your monthly childcare bill.

• Rate: €2.14 per hour.
• Hours: Up to a maximum of 45 hours per week.
• Age: For children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years.

This subsidy is a huge help for all families. For example, if your child is in full-time care (45 hours a week), the universal subsidy reduces your bill by €96.30 every single week (€2.14 x 45). Over a year, that adds up to nearly €5,000 in savings.

2. The Income-Assessed Subsidy

This subsidy provides a higher rate of financial support and is tailored to your family's specific circumstances. The amount you receive depends on your reckonable family income and your child's age.

• Income Threshold: To qualify, your reckonable family income must be under €68,000 per year.
• Subsidy Amount: The subsidy is paid on a sliding scale. The lower your income, the higher the subsidy you will receive per hour. This is designed to ensure that families who need the most support get it.
• Age of Child: The rates also vary depending on the age of your child, as the cost of care is generally higher for babies and younger toddlers.

To get a clear idea of what you might be entitled to, you can use the official NCS Calculator on Crechely. It's the best way to see an accurate estimate based on your own income and family situation.

How the NCS Works with the ECCE Scheme

Many parents wonder how the NCS and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme work together. They are separate schemes, but you can benefit from both at the same time.

• ECCE: This scheme provides 3 hours of free childcare per day, 5 days a week, for 38 weeks of the year for children from the age of 2 years and 8 months.
• "Wrap-around" care: If your child attends a creche for longer than the 3 hours covered by ECCE, you can use your NCS subsidy (either universal or income-assessed) to reduce the cost of those extra hours.

For example, if your child is in a creche from 9 am to 5 pm, ECCE covers 3 of those hours. You can then apply your NCS subsidy to the remaining 5 hours of "wrap-around" care.

How to Apply for the National Childcare Scheme

The application process is designed to be as simple as possible. The online system is the quickest route.

Step 1: Get Your Verified MyGovID

To apply online, you need a verified MyGovID account. This is a secure online identity that allows you to access a range of government services. If you don't have one, you can set one up on the MyGovID website. You will need a Public Services Card (PSC) to verify your account.

Step 2: Apply on ncs.gov.ie

Once your MyGovID is ready, head to the National Childcare Scheme website (ncs.gov.ie). The online application will guide you through the process. You will need to provide:

• Your child's name and date of birth
• Your estimated weekly work and study hours
• Your partner's details (if applicable)

For an income-assessed application, you'll also need to provide your family's reckonable income details.

Step 3: Receive Your CHICK

Once your application is approved, you will be issued with a Childcare Identifier Code Key, known as a CHICK. This is a unique code for your subsidy. You will receive a different CHICK for each of your children.

The NCS application process is straightforward: apply online, get your code, and give it to your provider.

Step 4: Share Your CHICK with Your Childcare Provider

This is the final and most important step! You need to give your CHICK to your chosen childcare provider. They will use it to register your child for the scheme and the subsidy will be deducted directly from your monthly bill. You don't receive any money yourself; it's all handled between the provider and the government body, Pobal.

It is essential to find a childcare provider who is registered with Tusla and participates in the NCS. You can easily find eligible creches and childminders on Crechely.

Important Things to Remember

• Always confirm details: While we strive to provide accurate information, rates and rules can change. Always check the official details on ncs.gov.ie or with Citizens Information.
• Renew your claim: Your subsidy is awarded for 52 weeks. You will need to confirm your details every year to ensure your claim continues without interruption.
• Changes in circumstances: If your income, work hours, or family situation changes, you must update your claim on the NCS portal. This ensures you are always receiving the correct entitlement.

This article provides general guidance and is not financial or legal advice. You should always consult official government sources for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions