Childcare Support Questions

What Is The Universal Subsidy?

The universal subsidy is a childcare subsidy for children over 6 months and under 15 years who are in Tusla-registered childcare. The subsidy is paid directly to your childcare provider. The subsidy is then deducted from the overall bill you get from your childcare provider.

To qualify for the universal subsidy the following conditions need to be met:

• Your child must be over 6 months (24 weeks) and under 15 years of age

• Your childcare provider must be registered with Tusla and in a contract with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to offer the universal subsidy

The subsidy is not means-tested. However, you cannot get the universal subsidy and an income-assessed subsidy at the same time. But you can choose which subsidy is of greatest benefit to you.

The rate of the universal childcare subsidy is €2.14 an hour up to a maximum of 45 hours a week to all eligible children.

For example:

• If your child is attending childcare for 45 hours a week, the subsidy you could get is €96.30 per week (€2.14 x 45 hours).

• If your child is attending childcare for 20 hours a week, you could get a subsidy of €42.80 per week (€2.14 x 20 hours).

You can use the subsidy calculator on the NCS website to help work out what your entitlement will be.

You can apply for the universal subsidy on the NCS website. You will need:

• A verified MyGovID account

• The date of birth and Personal Public Service (PPS) number for each child you are applying for

You can apply by post by contacting the Parent Support Centre. If you apply by post, it takes longer to process and may affect the start date when your subsidy can be paid.

The subsidy is paid directly to your childcare provider and is deducted from the cost of your childcare.