Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme
Family support that works
Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) is a Department of Education initiative that helps eligible working parents and carers with the affordability of childcare through a 15% reduction in childcare costs.
Support with childcare costs
Eligible working parents and carers of children aged between 0 and 11 years old can receive the subsidy, up to the capped amount of £203 per child, per month, on their childcare bills.
Tax-Free Childcare requirements
Parents and carers must be registered for Tax-Free Childcare (TFC), and their childcare provider must be registered as a TFC provider with HMRC.
Participating childcare providers
The scheme is delivered by registered childcare providers and schools participating in the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, including:
- Daycare providers
- Playgroups
- Childminders
- Approved Home Childcare providers
- Out-of-school providers
- Primary schools
- Special schools
Who benefits?
Parents, carers and childcare providers can all benefit from the subsidy scheme. NICSS can help make childcare more affordable for families while complementing the existing childcare services that providers offer to the families they support.
NICSS is administered by Early Years - the organisation for young children, on behalf of the Department of Education.
Find out more
Find out more about the benefits of registering, guidance on how to register and common frequently asked questions by visiting the Advice for Parents/Carers or Advice for Providers page below.
