30,359 applications received to date for 39,572 children.

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) opened for online applications on 20th November 2019. To date 30,359 applications for support for 39,572 children have been processed. 3,646 childcare providers have contracted to deliver services under the NCS.

Welcoming the launch of the NCS postal application process, Minister Zappone said:

From 13 March 2020, families can continue to opt to apply online for subsidies under the NCS, or, they may choose to apply offline, by requesting a paper application form from the National Childcare Scheme – Parent Support Centre.

For most families, the quickest and easiest way to apply and receive a subsidy is by using the online application process. This requires a verified MyGovID account and families can apply directly at www.ncs.gov.ie. The innovative, purpose-built IT system of the NCS aims to process a universal application in a matter of minutes, and an income assessed application in a matter of days.

Alternatively, families who wish to apply for subsidies by post can contact the National Childcare Scheme – Parent Support Centre by phone (see details below) and the appropriate form will then be posted out for completion.

Subsidies awarded to families can be used with any participating Tusla registered, early learning and care and school age childcare providers. This includes Tusla registered childminders.

Under the NCS, families are being supported to meet the cost of quality early learning and care and school age childcare through a system of universal and income-related subsidies. Additional funding provided under Budgets 2019 and 2020 seeks to ensure that thousands of extra children will benefit from the NCS, beyond that originally expected. The additional investment should also ensure that thousands of other children will see increases to subsidies they were already eligible for. Income based subsidies are available to families with reckonable household incomes of up to €60,000 per annum. Depending on family circumstances, this can be in the region of €90,000 in gross income.

The NCS is paving the way for Ireland’s childcare system to transform from one of the most expensive in the world into one of the best.

Further information and resources for parents are available at www.ncs.gov.ie. The National Childcare Scheme – Parent Support Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and can be contacted at 01 906 8530.