What is the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)?

The NCS provides financial support to help families with their early learning and childcare costs.

There are two types of subsidies available for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age:

• A universal subsidy which is not means tested and provides €1.40 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week;
• An income-assessed subsidy which is means tested and will be calculated based on your family’s individual circumstances. Rates will vary depending on your level of family income, your child’s age and educational stage, and the number of children in your family.