There are many advantages of working as a childminder and these include financial and non financial rewards.
In addition to your childminding income from fees, there are other financial incentives which you may be eligible for as a childminder. A summary of these is below.
Illness Benefit and Pension
Self-employed childminders may access State Benefits including the State Pension, Illness & Maternity Benefits, provided earnings are more than €5000 and a Class S PRSI contribution is paid – 4% of your taxable income or €500 whichever is the greater.
Tax Free Earnings
Childminders who earn less than €15,000 in childminding fees may not have to pay any tax. There are a number of criteria that need to be met. Find out more about the Childcare Services Relief.
Support to Buy Toys & Equipment
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth (DCEDIY) provides Childminding Development Grants of up to €1,000. The application for this grant is now closed for 2024.
Government Incentives
Depending on your circumstances, there are Government grants which you may be eligible to apply for. For example, if you are currently in receipt of a welfare payment, you may be eligible for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or the Short Term Enterprise Allowance to start your own business.
If you are eligible, these schemes can allow you to keep some or all of your welfare payment and benefits (such as a medical card), while accessing extra supports, such as grants for training, market research, business plans and access to loans to buy equipment.
We know this can seem like a lot to take in at once so get in touch and we can talk you through these incentives – simply phone or