More children to benefit from Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme

Date published: 28 September 2026

The change will benefit children who turn 11 between 2 July and 31 August and are entering Primary 7. These children are not eligible for Tax-Free Childcare and, as a result, NICSS support, despite remaining in the same school year as their classmates.

Announcing the decision, Paul Givan said: 

"I am pleased to introduce this change to the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme, which will ensure that summer-born children in Primary 7 can continue to access the support their families rely upon.

"The previous arrangements created an unintended anomaly whereby some children lost eligibility for childcare support from the Childcare Subsidy Scheme solely because of their date of birth, despite remaining in the same school year as their peers. That was clearly unfair and placed additional pressure on a small number of working families.

"This is a practical change that responds directly to concerns raised by parents and childcare providers in Northern Ireland and reflects my commitment to supporting working families and making childcare as accessible and affordable as possible."

The change applies to the NICSS element of childcare support only and does not extend or amend eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare.

Measures will be put in place to ensure eligible families receive the support to which they are entitled, including backdated NICSS payments where appropriate. Guidance will be issued to childcare providers and parents ahead of the changes taking effect.