Illinois Child Care Assistance Program

IDHS provides several services to help Illinois residents. Use the childcare calculator to determine whether you are eligible to receive childcare assistance.

https://www.dhs.state.il.us/applications/childcareeligcalc/eligcalc.html

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements?

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1, 2026, if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

📝See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

💻 Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

Summer EBT is back to help eligible families access food during the summer months.

Each eligible school-aged child will receive a one-time benefit of $120.

Most eligible children will receive benefits automatically, while some households may need to apply.

💻 Visit abe.illinois.gov/sebtPortal to:

• Use the screener to check eligibility
• Find out if you need to apply
• Get the latest Summer EBT updates

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements?

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1, 2026, if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

Signing up for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is as simple as four basic steps!

1. Use the CCAP Eligibility Calculator to see if you qualify for assistance.
2. Contact your local CCR&R Agency to assist with finding quality child care.
3. Find an Early Learning Program near you.
4. Complete and submit the CCAP Application.

Visit the Illinois Cares for Kids website and see if you qualify for assistance.

Child Care Assistance Program Child care can be costly. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help you pay for it! The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps families to pay for child care while they are working or attending school. Eligibility depends on the age of children, family income, and your schedule. This res...

Home visiting provides family support and coaching through planned, regular visits with a trained professional based on a family’s needs and schedules.

Home visiting is a voluntary program, and home visitors work with parents on practical parenting skills as well as family bonding before birth and as children grow up.

Through partnering with the home visitors, families learn how to improve their family’s health and provide better opportunities for their children.

Learn more by visiting the link below.

What is Home Visitng – iGrow Additional videos addressing other aspects of the Illinois early childhood system including Head Start, the Child Care Assistance Program, Early Intervention, TANF and WIC, and Special Education can be viewed here.

Ready to begin your search for the perfect Early Learning Program? 📚

With ExceleRate Illinois, you can explore over 10,000 programs across the state to find the right fit for your child. Simply enter your preferences and click search to get started.

Have more questions or looking for more details? There is a local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency that can offer a referral and answer your questions.

Provider Search Ready to start your Early Learning Program search? ExceleRate Illinois includes over 10,000 Early Learning programs in the state. Fill in the fields you are interested in finding below and click on the search button. It takes time to search over 10,000 programs, please allow 10-20 seconds for us to....

The early childhood system is complex and fragmented because it is made of different programs and funding streams. Sometimes it may be hard to understand how to best serve children and young families in Illinois.

The Partner Plan Act shares videos to help parents, individuals, and organizations understand the programs part of the early childhood system.

Check it out!

Illinois Early Childhood System Overview | Partner Plan Act Illinois early childhood systems encompass over 70 community collaborations improving local services. Learn more about systems change across the state!