Chèque-Service Accueil Reform: Everything that's changing for families

The CSA reform promises up to €5,000 in annual savings and a guaranteed childcare spot for every child by 2030. Here's what you need to know.

On 12 January 2026, the Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch, presented the reform of the Chèque-Service Accueil (CSA). A major overhaul built on four pillars: financial relief, guaranteed places, strengthened governance and improved quality.

Here's everything that's changing.

Substantial financial relief

This is the headline measure: the State will now cover two-thirds of the costs previously borne by parents.

In practice, this could mean several thousand euros in savings per year depending on your situation. The ministry gives this example: a household earning 2 to 2.5 times the minimum social wage, with a 2-year-old in a non-accredited crèche, could save up to €5,064 per year.

In total, the savings for all Luxembourg households will amount to €79 million per year.

More transparent billing

No more nasty surprises on the bill. The reform introduces uniform billing rules:

• Billing by actual hours: You'll no longer pay for a block of hours, but only for the hours actually used.
• No more surcharges: Childcare facilities will no longer be able to charge additional fees.
• Uniform pricing: The same rules will apply to all education and childcare services.

20 free hours extended to childminders

Good news for families who prefer individual care: the 20 free hours of childcare per week, previously reserved for crèches, will be extended to childminders (assistants parentaux) for children aged 1 to 4.

This measure aims to promote this local form of childcare and offer families more flexibility.

A guaranteed place for every child by 2030

The government reaffirms its commitment: every child who needs one will have a childcare place by 2030.

To achieve this, the State is increasing its contribution to childcare facilities from €6 to €7 per hour per child. A rent subsidy will also be introduced to help facilities with their rental costs.

A new agency for quality

A brand new public administration is being created: the Agency for Quality Development in the Childhood and Youth Sectors (AQUEN).

Its missions:

• Sustainably strengthen the quality of childcare
• Support pedagogical innovation
• Professionalise sector workers through continuing education

Staff-to-child ratios will also be adjusted and childminders will be better recognised according to their qualifications.

Strengthened governance

To ensure public funding serves its intended purpose, the reform provides for:

• Clear and harmonised rules for all providers
• Strengthened oversight
• A ban on combining CSA with full-time parental leave

The cost to the State

The funding for this reform is substantial:

• €41 million allocated in the 2026 budget (for the increase in contribution from €6 to €7)
• An additional €300 million per year from 2030, when all measures are fully implemented

When it takes effect

The main measures will come into force from 2027. The goal of a place for every child is set for 2030.

What is the CSA?

As a reminder, the Chèque-Service Accueil is a scheme that allows parents to benefit from reduced rates at childcare facilities (crèches, maisons relais, mini-crèches, childminders).

Since 2016, it has also been open to children of cross-border workers.

In 2023, the CSA benefited 61,500 children aged 0 to 11, representing an investment of €725 million.