National Childcare Scheme
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
The NCS launched in November 2019 to provide financial support for parents towards the cost of their childcare. The NCS is a streamlined scheme where parents continue to have access to a subsidy to meet the cost of their childcare.
The scheme provides 2 types of childcare subsidy for children aged over 6 months (24 weeks) and up to 15 (children aged 15 do not qualify):
• A universal subsidy which is not means tested.
• An income-assessed subsidy which is means tested.
You must apply for a subsidy, but it is paid directly to your childcare provider. Your provider will then deduct this from your creche fees..