How Illinois Action for Child Care Payment Works

What Illinois Action for Child Care Payment does

Illinois Action for Child Care Payment is a state program that helps families pay for child care by sending money directly to the child care provider you choose. The program covers part or all of your child care costs, depending on your household income and the number of children you need care for. You do not pay the provider out of pocket and then get reimbursed — the state pays them directly.

The program is run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). It works through a network of local agencies called child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs), which handle applications and connect families to providers. Your income determines whether you are within the program's income limits, and your work or school schedule determines how many hours of care you can receive each week.

Key Takeaways

• Illinois Action for Child Care Payment sends money to your child care provider, not to you, so you need to choose a provider first and have them agree to work with the program.
• Your household income must fall below a certain threshold that changes each year, and IDHS will ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income.
• You apply through your local child care resource and referral agency, which you can find by entering your zip code at the IDHS website or by calling 211.
• The program covers child care for children from birth through age 12, and sometimes through age 13 if the child has a disability.
• Once you are enrolled, you pay a small co-payment each month based on your income, and the program covers the rest up to the state's payment rate for your area.

Income limits and what counts as household income

IDHS sets income limits each year, and they vary by family size. A family of three, for example, has a different limit than a family of four. The limits also depend on whether you are applying as a working family, a family in school, or a family receiving certain benefits. You can find the current year's limits on the IDHS website, or your local CCR&R can tell you whether your income qualifies.

Household income includes wages from employment, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support, and certain other sources. IDHS will ask you to provide recent documentation — usually the last two months of pay stubs, or a recent tax return if you are self-employed. If your income changes during the year, you must report it to your CCR&R, because your co-payment amount and the hours you can receive may change.

How to find your local child care resource and referral agency

You apply for Illinois Action for Child Care Payment through your local CCR&R, not directly to IDHS. To find your agency, go to the IDHS website and use the zip code search tool, or call 211 and ask for the child care resource and referral agency in your area. When you call or visit, have your address, income information, and details about the child care you need ready.

Your CCR&R will walk you through the application, answer questions about income limits, help you find a provider if you do not have one yet, and tell you what documents to bring. Some agencies accept applications online, by phone, or in person — ask which method is fastest in your area. Once your application is submitted, the agency will verify your income and contact your chosen provider to confirm they accept the program.

What documents you need to bring

Bring proof of your household income — usually the last two months of pay stubs from all household members who work, or a recent tax return if you are self-employed. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, child support, or other income, bring documentation of that as well. You will also need proof of your identity and proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Bring a signed agreement from your child care provider stating they accept Illinois Action for Child Care Payment and confirming the weekly hours and weekly cost of care. If you do not have a provider yet, your CCR&R can give you a list of providers in your area who participate in the program. Some providers may have a waiting list, so ask about availability when you call.

How much you pay and what the program covers

You pay a monthly co-payment based on your household income and family size. Families with lower incomes pay less; families with higher incomes (but still within the program's limits) pay more. Your CCR&R will tell you your co-payment amount when your application is approved. The program then pays your provider the difference between your co-payment and the actual cost of care, up to the state's maximum payment rate for your area and type of care.

The program covers child care in licensed centers, family child care homes, and in-home care by a relative or non-relative. It covers care during the hours you work or attend school, plus a small amount of additional time for commuting and breaks. If you need care for a child with a disability, the program may cover additional hours for medical appointments or therapy.

What happens after you are approved

Once IDHS approves your application, your CCR&R will give you an authorization letter stating your approved hours and co-payment amount. You give this letter to your provider, who then bills the program directly for the care they provide. You pay your co-payment to your provider each month — the amount and due date will be in your authorization letter.

Your authorization is usually good for 12 months, but you must report any changes in income, employment, or the number of children needing care within 10 days. If your income increases, your co-payment may go up or you may lose coverage. If your income decreases, your co-payment may go down. Your CCR&R will send you a renewal notice before your authorization expires, and you will need to provide updated income documentation to continue.

What to do if your application is denied or you lose coverage

If your application is denied, your CCR&R will send you a written notice explaining why — usually because your income is above the limit, you do not meet the work or school requirement, or your documentation was incomplete. You have the right to ask for a hearing to challenge the decision. Your CCR&R can tell you how to request a hearing and what to bring.

If you lose coverage during the year because your income increased or you stopped working or attending school, your CCR&R will send you a notice before your authorization ends. If your situation changes again — for example, you lose your job or your income drops — contact your CCR&R right away to see if you can reapply. Some families cycle in and out of the program as their circumstances change, and reapplying is often faster than appealing a denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any child care provider, or does it have to be one on a list?

Your provider must be licensed by the state or meet certain exemptions (such as a relative providing care). You can choose any licensed provider who agrees to work with the program. Your CCR&R can give you a list of participating providers in your area, but you are not limited to that list — if you have found a provider you like, ask your CCR&R whether that provider is licensed and willing to accept the program.

What if my provider's cost is higher than the state's payment rate?

The program pays up to the state's maximum rate for your area and type of care. If your provider charges more, you pay the difference out of pocket in addition to your co-payment. Before you choose a provider, ask them what they charge and ask your CCR&R what the state's payment rate is in your area, so you know what your total cost will be.

Can I use this program if I am in school instead of working?

Yes, but you must be in a degree or certificate program at least half-time, and your school schedule must require child care. You will need to bring proof of enrollment and your class schedule. Some programs have separate income limits for students, so ask your CCR&R whether the student limit applies to you.

What if I need care for more than one child?

The program covers all your children from birth through age 12 (or 13 if they have a disability). Your co-payment is based on your total household income and the number of children, not on the number of providers. You can use the same provider for multiple children or different providers for each child.

How long does it take to get approved?

Approval usually takes two to four weeks from the time you submit a complete application with all required documents. If your application is missing information, your CCR&R will contact you and ask you to provide it, which can add time. Call your CCR&R after two weeks to check on the status of your application.