The cost of childcare in Ireland is a major concern for many families who are struggling to afford it due to the cost of living crisis.
The Universal Grant is a childcare grant for children in Tusla-registered preschools between the ages of six months and 15 years, reports the Mirror.
The benefit has been increased from €0.50 per hour to €1.40 per hour from January 2023 and will be deducted from the total bill parents receive from their childcare facility.
The general childcare allowance is paid to all eligible children at €1.40 per hour up to a maximum of 45 hours per week.
How do I become eligible for universal child benefit?
One child must be over six months but under 15 years old. The childcare worker must be registered with Tusla and contracted with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth in order to provide the universal benefit.
Although the benefits are not means-tested, you cannot receive benefits at the same time as means-tested benefits. You must choose which benefit is most beneficial to you.
To apply for universal benefits you must use the ncs.gov.ie website.
Make sure you have a verified MyGovID account and date of birth and PPS (Personal Public Service) number for each child you are applying for.
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