There will be increases in childcare subsidy rates provided under the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS/CCSP) Scheme and the Training and Employment (TEC) Schemes. In some, cases these increases will be as much as 50%.
What does this mean for me?
The amount the Government subsidises your childcare will increase substantially meaning the amount that you have to pay may be lower.
If you are eligible for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme your new rates of subsidy are:
| Weekly rate | Band A (with medical card unless otherwise stated) | Band AJ (with medical card) | Band B | Band D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Full-Day payment (5.01 hrs +)) | €145 | €80 | €70 | €50 |
| (Part-time payment (3:31-5:00)) | €80 | €80 | €35 | €25 |
| (Sessional payment (2:16-3:30)) | €45 | €45 | €25 | €17 |
| (Half-session payment (1-2:15)) | €22.50 | €22.50 | €12.50 | €8.50 |
New Broader Eligibility
No family will lose out by the changes being introduced. In fact many more families will qualify for higher subvention because of the changes. A new Band D has been created which means that more families can qualify for the same support rates as those who were on Band B in 2016/2017.
This table outlines the new revised eligibility criteria.
| 2016/17 | 2017/18 |
|---|---|
| 3 Bands (A, AJ, B) | 4 Bands (A, AJ, B, D) |
| TÚS (With Medical Card) was Band AJ | TÚS (With Medical Card) is Band A |
| Part-Time Job Incentive (With Medical Card) was Band AJ | Part-Time Job Incentive (With Medical Card) is Band A |
| Gateway (With Medical Card) Band AJ | Gateway (With Medical Card) Band A |
| GP Visit Cards – Band B | GP Visit Cards – Moved to Band D |
| Band A Last Year – Band B | Band A Last Year – Moved to Band D |
| Band AJ – Capped at €50 | Band AJ – Capped at €80 |
To see the full list of eligibility criteria for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme click here
How do I apply for my new subsidy rates?
The current programme year ends in August so from September 2017 you will have to re-register with your childcare provider. If you are still eligible, the new rates will be applied automatically, so just register with your childcare provider like you did this year – you’ll see the difference on the fees list and your bill. Parents can contact their chosen childcare provider or City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) for more information.