NCS childcare subsidy calculator
2026/27 and Budget 2027
Work out the National Childcare Scheme subsidy for a child and what you pay the creche or childminder each week, month and year.
This is an estimate based on the published NCS rates. The income-assessed subsidy here uses a straight-line taper that matches published examples, but the National Childcare Scheme decides your actual award. Apply or use the official calculator at ncs.gov.ie. Terms of use.
How the NCS subsidy is worked out
There are two subsidies, and a child gets one of them.
- Universal subsidy: €2.14 an hour for up to 45 hours a week, whatever your income.
- Income-assessed subsidy: a higher hourly rate that depends on the child's age and your reckonable income. Take off the multiple child discount, then compare the result with the thresholds. At €34,000 or less you get the maximum rate. Between €34,000 and €68,000 the rate falls in a straight line towards €2.14. This calculator uses that straight line; it matches the published examples, such as €2.84 an hour for a baby at €60,000.
The weekly subsidy is the hourly rate times the subsidised hours, up to the fee. You pay the rest.
Example. A 2 year old is in a creche for 40 hours a week at €250. The family has 2 children under 15 and reckonable income of €45,500. The multiple child discount of €5,500 brings income down to €40,000, which gives €3.96 an hour. The subsidy is €158.40 a week and the family pays €91.60. With the universal subsidy only, they would pay €164.40.
Maximum hourly rates by age
Income-assessed maximum (at or below €34,000) and the universal rate, an hour.
| Child's age | Maximum | Universal |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 (from 24 weeks) | €5.10 | €2.14 |
| 1 or 2 years old | €4.35 | €2.14 |
| 3 or older, not yet in school | €3.95 | €2.14 |
| Junior or senior infants | €3.75 | €2.14 |
| First class or older (under 15) | €3.75 | €2.14 |
Budget 2027 changes
Announced on 6 October 2026, to start in September 2027 (date to be confirmed):
- Universal subsidy up from €2.14 to €2.50 an hour for children up to senior infants.
- Lower income threshold up from €34,000 to €38,500.
- Multiple child discount up to €6,000 for 2 children and €12,500 for 3 or more.
- Core Funding fee cap for 40 to 50 hours down from €280 to €250 a week.
The upper threshold and the maximum hourly rates were not changed in the announcement. The current rates applied from 31 August 2026.
Sources
Rates last checked 10 October 2026. Every figure is listed on rates and sources.
Figures marked as announced come from Budget 2027 and are not law until the Finance Act 2026 is signed.