Changes to the income thresholds for the National Childcare Scheme will see the families of some 47,000 children receive more in subsidies.
Under the scheme all eligible families may apply for a universal subsidy, regardless of income, worth up to €96.30 per week for a maximum of 45 hours.
Alternatively, families may qualify for a higher income-assessed subsidy, which varies depending on family circumstances, including income level and number of children aged under 15.
The income thresholds used to calculate the income-assessed subsidies are being increased. The lower income threshold is rising from €26,000 to €34,000, meaning families earning less than the latter sum will be able to qualify for the maximum subsidy rate.
A family with a reckonable income of €34,000 will receive a rate of €5.10 per hour for a child aged 24-52 weeks, up from €4.40 per hour.
