Supporting Families using Tax Free Childcare

ANNOUNCEMENT

Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced that the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) will continue into 2026-27.

The subsidy cap, which is the maximum amount that can be claimed per child, will rise from April 2026 to £203 per child, per month. In addition, the administrative payment provided to childcare providers participating in the scheme is being increased.

The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) is a Department of Education initiative that helps eligible working parents with the affordability of childcare through a 15% reduction in childcare costs.

Eligible working parents of children aged between 0 and 11 years old can receive the subsidy up to the capped amount of £184, increasing to £203 from April 2026, on their childcare bills.

Parents must be registered for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) and their childcare provider must be registered as a TFC Provider with HMRC.

The scheme is delivered by registered childcare providers and schools participating in the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, including Daycares, Playgroups, Childminders, Approved Home Childcare, Out of Schools, Primary Schools and Special Schools.

The NICSS is administered by Early Years - the organisation for young children, on behalf of the Department of Education.

More information here;