Who qualifies for CCDF child care assistance in Illinois?

In Illinois, a household of 3 qualifies at or below $4,841 a month, which is 61% of the state median income; a household of 4 qualifies at or below $5,850 a month, which is 62% of the state median income. These are the initial eligibility limits Illinois reported in its FY 2025-2027 CCDF plan to the federal Office of Child Care. Most states also require that a parent is working, studying, or in job training.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Illinois?

Applications are handled by Illinois's own child care agency, not by the federal government. The Office of Child Care maintains the current contact details for every state at childcare.gov.

Illinois

Child care assistance in Illinois

Illinois sets its own income limit for CCDF child care assistance. Here is the published figure, what it means next to the programs that use a national line, and where to apply.

Checked against the source on 2026-08-04

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Illinois?

Household size	Monthly income limit	Share of state median income
3 people	$4,841	61%
4 people	$5,850	62%

The initial eligibility limits Illinois reported to the federal Office of Child Care in its FY 2025 to 2027 plan. The percentage is that limit as a share of Illinois’s median income, which is why two states with similar percentages can have very different dollar figures.

Source: CCDF Family Income Eligibility Levels by State, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. Checked 2026-08-04.

How does that compare with the other programs?

Monthly household income limits that apply in Illinois, on one scale. A household earning under a bar qualifies on income for that program.

CCDF child care assistance, household of 3$4,841 / mo
CCDF child care assistance, household of 4$5,850 / mo
Head Start, household of 3$2,277 / mo
Head Start, household of 4$2,750 / mo

Head Start uses the federal poverty guideline, which is the same figure everywhere in the 48 contiguous states, shown here as a monthly equivalent of the published annual amount. Alaska and Hawaii use higher guidelines. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA have no income limit at all, so they do not appear on this scale.

How do I apply in Illinois?

Applications go through Illinois’s own child care agency, not through the federal government. The Office of Child Care keeps the current contact details for every state, including the agency name, phone number, and application route.

Illinois child care assistance contacts

Common questions

Who qualifies for CCDF child care assistance in Illinois?: In Illinois, a household of 3 qualifies at or below $4,841 a month, which is 61% of the state median income; a household of 4 qualifies at or below $5,850 a month, which is 62% of the state median income. These are the initial eligibility limits Illinois reported in its FY 2025-2027 CCDF plan to the federal Office of Child Care. Most states also require that a parent is working, studying, or in job training.
How do I apply for child care assistance in Illinois?: Applications are handled by Illinois's own child care agency, not by the federal government. The Office of Child Care maintains the current contact details for every state at childcare.gov.

Keep reading

Types of child care programsWhat infant rooms, preschool, Montessori, and school-age care actually differ on, and which providers near you run each.Read the guide What child care costsRead the guide

This page is not an eligibility decision

The limit above is the figure Illinois published. It tells you whether applying is worth your time, not whether you will be approved. States apply their own rules on top of the income test, commonly a work, study, or training requirement, and many operate a waiting list. Only Illinois’s agency can decide your case.

Compare all four assistance programs or see how Illinois licenses its daycares.