30th March 2026

NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme support will continue for 2026-2027

From April the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme will be continuing with a 10% uplift in the maximum support available to families.

Education Minister Paul Givan has confirmed that the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme will continue into 2026-2027. In addition, there will be an uplift in the maximum amount of support for parents to reflect the anticipated rise in childcare fees.

The NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme was initially introduced in September 2024 to provide support towards childcare costs for working parents with children not yet in primary school. In September 2025 the scheme was expanded to include older children up until the September after their 11th birthday, or their 16th birthday if in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

The scheme provides a 15% subsidy on the registered childcare costs. From April 2026 the maximum subsidy cap will rise by 10% to £203 per month per child, and £406 per month for a child in receipt of DLA.

When announcing the continuation of the scheme the Education Minister stated that since the scheme launched in September 2024 it has delivered £25 million in savings for 20,000 working families and when combined with Tax-Free Childcare, it is estimated that these working families will have saved over £50 million since its inception.

The NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme is only available to parents who are also using Tax-Free Childcare and can be used to pay the costs of registered childcare providers including day nurseries, childminders, Approved Home Childcarers, and some breakfast and afterschool clubs.

Further information

For more information on the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme, Tax-Free Childcare and support for registered childcare costs through Universal Credit, contact the Family Benefits Advice Service by email fbas@employersforchildcare.org.

More News & Insights

30th March 2026

Over 16,200 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Tax-Free Childcare

16,235 families in Northern Ireland were using their Tax-Free Childcare accounts in December 2025, this is an increase of 2,015 over the year.

3rd March 2026

8,500 families in Northern Ireland now saving money on childcare through Universal Credit

Of the 91,940 Northern Irish households with children receiving Universal Credit, there are 8,500 in receipt of the Childcare Element, receiving support worth £4.5million each month.

3rd March 2026

What does the Chancellor’s 2026 Spring Statement mean for families?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves made her Spring Statement continuing the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ to put public finances on a sustainable path while supporting investment in public services and growth.

20th February 2026

All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare February Meeting

The Northern Ireland All Party Group on Early Education and Childcare met on 2 February 2026.

20th February 2026

Have you been on Maternity Leave – you may be due a Tax Refund

Often working parents who have recently had a baby find they have paid too much tax. This is due to the significant reduction in income that comes from being off work on maternity leave.

19th February 2026

Statutory Sick Pay – welcome changes coming in April

HMRC have recently released information on two major changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) that come in to force from 6 April 2026 through the Employment Rights Act 2025.