Question 1

How does Malta's Free Childcare Scheme work?

Accepted Answer

Malta offers free childcare to parents who are in employment or education, for children from 3 months until they are eligible for Kindergarten 1. Jobsplus pays the registered childcare centre directly. The number of free hours follows the working hours of the parent who works the least, plus a 10% monthly contingency and a 20-hour monthly commuting allowance.

Question 2

How many free childcare hours do I get in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Your monthly entitlement equals your weekly working hours × 52 ÷ 12, plus 10% for unforeseen exigencies and 20 hours for commuting. A parent working 20 hours per week gets about 115 hours of free childcare per month; a 40-hour week yields about 211 hours.

Question 3

Do both parents need to work for free childcare in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Yes — in two-parent households both parents must be in employment (paying social security) or in education leading to a recognised qualification. Full-time students count as 40 hours per week and part-time students as 20 hours. Single parents qualify based on their own hours.

Question 4

Is anything not covered by the Free Childcare Scheme?

Accepted Answer

The scheme covers staff costs and consumables at the registered centre. Outings, food, nappies, wipes and other items related to the individual needs of the child are not covered and are charged by the centre separately.

Question 5

What if I don't qualify for the Free Childcare Scheme in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Families who pay for a registered childcare centre without benefiting from the scheme can claim an income tax deduction worth up to €2,000 per child per year instead. You can also re-apply once both parents are in work or education.

Free Childcare Calculator

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