Significant changes to the income eligibility criteria for childcare vouchers—covering infant, nursery, and preschool facilities—have been introduced under a new Joint Ministerial Decision.
Key Change: No Income Limit for Large Families
The most notable update concerns vouchers for nursery and infant care centers: large families (those with three or more children) are now fully exempt from income restrictions. This means they can receive the subsidy regardless of their annual household income.
New Income Thresholds
Under the revised rules, the income limits are as follows:
- Families with up to two children: annual household income up to €35,000
- Families with three children: annual household income up to €38,000
- Large families (four or more children): no income threshold applies
Expanding Access and Support
Removing the income requirement for large families is the centerpiece of the reform, aiming to broaden the pool of eligible households and increase participation in the program. The updated thresholds for other family categories also seek to improve access to licensed childcare services—including infant, nursery, and preschool centers—and strengthen financial support for parents.