Organization : Department of Children and Youth Affairs
Scheme Name : Affordable Childcare Scheme
Country : Ireland
Website : https://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=120
Details Here : http://affordablechildcare.ie/
Affordable Childcare Scheme :
I have a child under 3 years old :
If your child is under 6 months old, you may qualify for a means-tested childcare subsidy of up to €145 per week.
Related : ABC Programme Area Based Childhood Ireland : www.statusin.org/28508.html
If your child is aged between 6 months and 36 months and is enrolled in Tusla-registered childcare, you are eligible for a non means-tested universal childcare subsidy of up to €80 per month.
Children must be enrolled in TUSLA registered childcare services in order to avail of the universal subsidy.
I currently get DCYA Childcare Supports :
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.
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.
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.
Can I get help with my childcare costs?
If you are a parent/guardian who :
** holds a medical card or GP visit card;
** is on low income;
** is in school;
** in further education;
** job training;
** or in receipt of a social welfare payment, then you may be eligible for assistance with your childcare costs.
I am a childcare provider :
The Main Changes :
** There will be a new universal childcare subsidy for children from the age of 6 months to 36 months or until they are eligible to start the free pre-school programme.
** There will be amendments to the existing Community Childcare Subvention (CCS/CCSP) eligibility criteria to help ensure that more families can benefit from more affordable childcare.
** There will be increases of up to 50% in childcare subvention rates provided under CCS/CCSP.
Eligibility :
Who is eligible to receive the universal subsidy?
Every child, from the age of 6 months until they are eligible to start the free pre-school programme, is eligible for the universal subsidy
Getting into Contract :
I am a Community Provider with a CCS contract :
CCS Universal is provided through the new CCS Plus contract. Community services can sign up to the CCS Plus contract in addition to the CCS contract. There is no major change from the 2016/2017 re-contracting process.
1. Log onto your PIP Portal
2. Certify the Primary Authorised User
3. Primary Authorised User activates the CCS Plus contract
4. Submit the fees list and service calendar for your organisation on PIP
I am a Private Provider with a CCSP contract :
CCS Universal is provided through the new CCS Plus contract. This replaced the CCSP contract. There is no major change from the 2016/2017 re-contracting process.
1. Log onto your PIP Portal
2. Certify the Primary Authorised User
3. Primary Authorised User activates the CCS Plus contract
4. Submit the fees list and service calendar for your organisation on PIP
I have a DCYA Reference Number but I do not have a CCS or CCSP contract :
If you have never participated in a subvented childcare scheme, all you have to do is contact your City/County Childcare Committee (CCC).
CCC staff can guide and support you through this application and set-up process. Once the initial set-up is complete you will then be guided through the contracting process by Pobal.
I am a new provider and I do not have a DCYA Reference Number :
If you have never participated in a DCYA childcare scheme, all you have to do is contact your City/County Childcare Committee (CCC).
CCC staff can guide and support you through this application and set-up process. Once the initial set-up is complete you will then be guided through the contracting process by Pobal.