Menu
25/10/2021
New Upfront Childcare Costs Announced
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has introduced the introduction of new upfront childcare costs, aimed at removing a "significant barrier to employment for parents on low incomes".
Making the announcement, Minister Hargey said: "My focus is to support people, workers and their families who face the greatest economic challenges.
"Childcare is critical in helping parents into work and moving families out of poverty.
"I have introduced this change as it is crucial that barriers to employment are removed. We need to provide people with the support and assistance they need to move into, and stay, in employment."
Upfront childcare costs will be payable for the first month for people commencing employment who are claiming Universal Credit or are in receipt of other income-based benefits.
Parents who are eligible for the childcare element of Universal Credit (UC) and other income-based benefits can apply for a non-repayable grant of up to £1,500 from the Department’s Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF) which will be paid in advance to a registered childcare provider.
Any amount awarded for childcare costs will be included within the maximum £1,500 limit payable for ADF awards in a 12 month period.
Applications for the grant begin on 25 October after the Minister secured Executive approval for amendments to the current regulations earlier this year. The change is part of a range of labour market interventions introduced by Minister Hargey.
Making the announcement, Minister Hargey said: "My focus is to support people, workers and their families who face the greatest economic challenges.
"Childcare is critical in helping parents into work and moving families out of poverty.
"I have introduced this change as it is crucial that barriers to employment are removed. We need to provide people with the support and assistance they need to move into, and stay, in employment."
Upfront childcare costs will be payable for the first month for people commencing employment who are claiming Universal Credit or are in receipt of other income-based benefits.
Parents who are eligible for the childcare element of Universal Credit (UC) and other income-based benefits can apply for a non-repayable grant of up to £1,500 from the Department’s Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF) which will be paid in advance to a registered childcare provider.
Any amount awarded for childcare costs will be included within the maximum £1,500 limit payable for ADF awards in a 12 month period.
Applications for the grant begin on 25 October after the Minister secured Executive approval for amendments to the current regulations earlier this year. The change is part of a range of labour market interventions introduced by Minister Hargey.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
Legislation Introduced For Protection Of Newborns
New legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spinal problems. From 2026, folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal flour, the Department of Health has announced. The move follows measures to update Bread and Flour Regulations across the four nations following a UK wide consultation.
Legislation Introduced For Protection Of Newborns
New legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spinal problems. From 2026, folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal flour, the Department of Health has announced. The move follows measures to update Bread and Flour Regulations across the four nations following a UK wide consultation.
24 November 2021
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
11 October 2024
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
New Childcare Subsidy Saves Parents Nearly £1m
The new Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) has helped parents save nearly £1 million on their September childcare bills. When combined with the contributions from Tax-Free Childcare, the total savings for Northern Irish parents exceed £2 million.
19 May 2008
Minding Kids Is No Childsplay
Many families seeking childcare in Northern Ireland are finding the search difficult, according to a major new survey on childcare commissioned by NICMA - the Childminding Association.
Minding Kids Is No Childsplay
Many families seeking childcare in Northern Ireland are finding the search difficult, according to a major new survey on childcare commissioned by NICMA - the Childminding Association.
19 June 2019
Families Under Strain This Summer As Childcare Costs Rise
Many parents are set for an "extremely difficult" summer due to increasing childcare costs, a report has found. The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is £166 per week, equating to over one third of median household incomes, the charity Employers for Childcare has found.
Families Under Strain This Summer As Childcare Costs Rise
Many parents are set for an "extremely difficult" summer due to increasing childcare costs, a report has found. The average cost of a full-time childcare place in Northern Ireland is £166 per week, equating to over one third of median household incomes, the charity Employers for Childcare has found.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
