The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help with your childcare costs.

There are two types of childcare subsidy for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age:

A universal subsidy which is not means tested.
An income-assessed subsidy which is means tested.
You can apply online for the subsidy using your MyGovID. See the Application Guide for assistance on how to apply.

To make a paper application, please contact the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530. The Parent Support Centre will then send you an application form by post.

Your childcare provider, including childminders and school-age childcare services, must be registered with Tusla and have a National Childcare Scheme contract with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

The subsidy will be paid directly to your childcare provider. Your provider then will subtract your subsidy from your childcare bill.

You can use the Childcare Search Function to search the full list of NCS childcare service providers. You can also view the services’ fees for both NCS and ECCE on this page.

See The National Childcare Scheme Website.

"To support and assist families and children in Clare through the provision of accessible, affordable, high quality childcare in a warm, caring environment."