Brought to you by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs
If you're a parent with a baby or toddlers, September can take a hefty toll on the family coffers. Thanks to new Government supports however, you could be entitled to some relief when it comes to childcare costs this Autumn.
Earlier this summer, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr Katherine Zappone, announced that More Affordable Childcare will begin from this September as part of a €19 million investment in childcare, which she secured in the budget.
Interested? Here's five things you need to know:
1. It’s For Everyone
The great news is that the new universal subsidy of up to €1,040 a year (or €20 a week) is open to all families with children between the ages of 6 months and three years in registered childcare. It is non-means tested. All you need to apply is your child’s PPS number.
2. It doesn’t matter if your child is in full-time or part-time childcare
What's more, there are no minimum number of hours and no maximum number of weeks of childcare required for eligibility. The universal subsidy is calculated on a pro-rata basis. So, for example, if your child is in childcare for just three days, you can qualify for 3/5ths of the subsidy – so that’s €624 per year, or €12 a week. If your child is in childcare for just one day, you will also be eligible for support towards your costs.
3. It starts this September.
More Affordable Childcare starts from this September 2017. If your child is in registered childcare – that may be a day care or childcare centre, a crèche, or with a registered childminder – you can find out more
here or just ask your childcare minder.
4. It is Targeted Too - Extending to Children up to the age of 15 for some families
If you are on lower income or receive a benefit you could receive as much as €145 per week towards your childcare for children up to the age of 15.
5. It’s Easy to Get the Information You Need To Make Your Childcare More Affordable
Whether you are one of the tens of thousands of families eligible for the universal payment, if you think you may be eligible for more targeted payments or if you’re simply not sure, it’s easy to find out how your childcare costs can become more affordable. Just
click here or talk to your local Childcare Co-ordinator today. A full list of contacts for every county is available
here. 
