There are two types of subsidies available under the National Childcare Scheme:

Universal Subsidy:

Universal subsidies are available to all families with children under three years, or families with children over three years who have not yet qualified for the free preschool (ECCE) programme.

The subsidy is not means tested and provides up to €1040 a year off the cost of a Tusla-registered childcare place, regardless of income.

Income Assessed Subsidy:

Income Assessed subsidies are available to families with children aged between six months and 15 years. They are means tested and will be calculated based on a family’s individual circumstances. The subsidy rate will vary depending on the level of reckonable family income, a child’s age and educational stage.

The subsidy can be used towards the cost of a Tusla-registered childcare place for up to a maximum of 40 hours per week where parents are working, studying or training and a maximum of 15 hours per week where parents are not working, studying or training.