Irish Childcare Subsidies
National Childcare Scheme
Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about NCS subsidies, CHICK numbers, eligibility, and claiming payments as a childcare provider.
What is NCS?
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is Ireland's national programme of financial support for childcare. Launched in 2019, it provides subsidies to help families with the cost of registered childcare services.
NCS offers two types of subsidies:
- Universal subsidy: Available to all families with children aged 24 weeks to 15 years, regardless of income
- Income-assessed subsidy: Higher subsidies for families earning under €60,000, potentially covering the full cost of childcare
Parents apply for NCS online at ncs.gov.ie, and the subsidy is paid directly to the childcare provider, reducing the parent's bill.
Understanding CHICK Numbers
What is a CHICK Number?
A CHICK (Childcare Identifier Code Key) is a unique code assigned to each child when their parent registers for NCS. Providers need this number to register the child for subsidies in Early Years Hive.
Parent Applies Online
Parent registers at ncs.gov.ie using MyGovID and applies for NCS for their child
CHICK Number Issued
Upon approval, the parent receives a unique CHICK number for each child
Provider Registers Child
Provider enters the CHICK number in Early Years Hive to claim subsidies
Provider Tip: Store CHICK numbers securely in your childcare management system. CrecheHQ includes a dedicated field for CHICK numbers on each child's profile.
NCS Subsidy Rates
Rates depend on family income and child's circumstances
| Subsidy Type | Rate | Income Threshold |
|---|---|---|
Universal Available to all children aged 24 weeks to 15 years | €2.14/hour | All families |
Income-Assessed Means-tested based on family income, child age, and circumstances | Up to €5.10/hour | Below €60,000 |
Rates effective from September 2024. Income thresholds rising to €68,000 in September 2026. Check ncs.gov.ie for current rates.
Universal vs Income-Assessed Subsidies
Universal Subsidy
- Available to all families regardless of income
- Children aged 24 weeks to 15 years
- €2.14 per hour
- Up to 45 hours per week (working families)
- No means test required
Income-Assessed Subsidy
- Higher subsidies for families earning under €60,000
- Children aged 24 weeks to 15 years
- Up to €5.10 per hour
- Up to 45 hours per week (working families)
- Can cover 100% of childcare costs
How CrecheHQ Handles NCS
CrecheHQ automatically calculates NCS subsidies, tracks CHICK numbers, and integrates with your invoicing to ensure parents see accurate costs.
CHICK Number Storage
Secure field on each child's profile for their unique CHICK number
Subsidy Calculation
Automatically applies NCS subsidy rates when generating invoices
Attendance Tracking
Records hours in compliance with NCS claiming requirements
Family Invoicing
Shows full cost, NCS subsidy, and amount due clearly on each invoice
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the National Childcare Scheme
What is the NCS (National Childcare Scheme)?
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is an Irish government subsidy programme that helps families with the cost of childcare. It provides both universal subsidies for all families with children under 15, and enhanced income-assessed subsidies for families who meet certain criteria.
What is a CHICK number and how do I get one?
A CHICK (Childcare Identifier Code Key) number is a unique identifier assigned to each child registered for NCS. Parents apply for NCS through ncs.gov.ie or their local MyGovID office. Once approved, they receive a CHICK number to give to their childcare provider.
What is the difference between universal and income-assessed NCS?
Universal NCS provides €2.14 per hour for all children aged 24 weeks to 15 years, regardless of family income. Income-assessed NCS provides higher subsidies (up to €5.10/hour) based on family income, potentially covering 100% of childcare costs for families earning under €60,000.
How much NCS subsidy can a family receive?
The subsidy amount depends on family income, the child's age, and whether the parents are working or studying. Universal subsidy is €2.14/hour for all families. Income-assessed can reach up to €5.10/hour. Working families can claim up to 45 hours per week, while non-working families receive up to 20 hours per week.
How do childcare providers claim NCS payments?
Providers register children using their CHICK number in the Early Years Hive portal. Subsidies are claimed based on recorded attendance, with payments made directly to the provider. The provider then reduces the parent's bill by the subsidy amount.
Simplify NCS Administration
Join CrecheHQ and automate your NCS subsidy calculations, CHICK number tracking, and family invoicing.
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