Eligibility for Childcare Contribution Credits to Be Extended in Budget 2026

During the 2026 Budget speech, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced an important measure aimed at supporting parents who take time off work to raise their children.

Currently, parents who temporarily stop working to care for their children are entitled to National Insurance contribution credits until their child reaches the age of six. In the case of children with a disability or a rare illness, these credits are granted until the child turns ten.

As part of the new Budget measures, this eligibility will now be extended. Starting next year, parents will be able to receive these contribution credits until their child reaches the age of ten for their first three children.

In families with more than three children, the period covered by these contribution credits will increase by one additional year for each subsequent child.

Minister Caruana also confirmed that the maximum age limit will be completely removed for families who have at least one child with a disability or a rare illness, ensuring that these families receive full support for as long as needed.

#MaltaDaily