Family Resources
Get help paying for child care with Illinois CCAP
Illinois can pay most of your child care bill while you work or go to school. You pay a small monthly part. Find out if you qualify in 30 seconds.
With CCAP, it’s shared
- Illinois pays the rest, straight to your center
- You pay a small monthly copay
How it works
CCAP in 4 pictures
30-second check
Do I qualify?
Answer 3 quick questions. Nothing is saved or sent.
Question 1 of 3
Do you work, go to school, or do job training?
Also say “Yes” if you are experiencing homelessness or are deployed in the military.
Question 2 of 3
How many people are in your family?
Count yourself, your partner if they live with you, and your children.
Question 3 of 3
Does your family earn less than $6,188 a month?
Use your pay before taxes. That’s about $74,256 a year.
Good news: you may qualify!
Next step: apply online. It takes about 20 minutes. Have your last 2 pay stubs ready. We’re happy to help.
CCAP is mostly for parents who work or study
Some other families can qualify too. Call your local CCAP office and ask. They can tell you about other help, too.
You may be over the limit for new families
Already getting CCAP? At renewal, you can earn up to $7,563 a month and still keep it. Families who are new to CCAP can still look at other help.
That’s okay. We can check with you.
Call us or your local CCAP office. Bring a recent pay stub and we’ll help you figure it out.
Large family? Let’s check together.
Families of 9 or more have higher limits. Call your local CCAP office or use the state calculator.
This is a quick estimate, not a decision. Your local CCAP office decides. Children up to age 13 can be covered (up to 19 with special needs).
How to apply
Apply in 4 easy steps
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Visit us first
Pick your child care. Book a tour
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Apply online
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We do our part
Our office fills out the provider section for you.
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Get your answer
Usually within 45 days. Watch your mail.
Before you start
Have these ready
- Your last 2 pay stubsOr a wage form from your boss
- Your class scheduleOnly if you go to school or training
- Your tax returnIf you’re self-employed, plus a self-employment form
Missing something? You can still apply. The office will send you a letter asking for it.
Need help?
Real people can help you
Call The Learning Tree
We’ll answer questions and help with the provider part of your application.
Your local CCAP office
They process your application. Where do you live?
Somewhere else in Illinois? Find your local office
Trusted websites
More help for Illinois families
Questions
CCAP questions & answers
What is CCAP?
CCAP is Illinois’ Child Care Assistance Program. It helps working families and parents in school pay for child care. The state pays your child care provider, and you pay a monthly copay based on your income.
Who qualifies for CCAP?
Parents who work or go to school or job training, with children up to age 13 (up to 19 with special needs), and family income under the limit. For a family of 4, the 2026 limit is $6,188 a month before taxes.
What are the CCAP income limits for 2026?
These limits have been in effect since July 1, 2026. Use your family’s monthly pay before taxes.
| Family size | New families | At renewal |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $4,058 | $4,959 |
| 3 | $5,123 | $6,261 |
| 4 | $6,188 | $7,563 |
| 5 | $7,253 | $8,864 |
| 6 | $8,318 | $10,166 |
| 7 | $9,383 | $11,468 |
| 8 | $10,448 | $12,526 |
| 9 | $11,513 | $12,798 |
| 10 | $12,578 | $13,070 |
New families must be at or below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level. Families who already have CCAP can earn up to 275% at renewal. Source: Illinois CCAP income guidelines.
How do I apply for CCAP?
Apply online at GetChildCareIL.org. It takes about 20 minutes on a phone or computer, in English or Spanish. Pick your child care provider first, because the application asks where your child will go.
How long does CCAP approval take?
You should get an answer within 45 days after your local CCAP office has your complete application. If you need care right away, ask them about faster processing.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get CCAP?
No. Parents do not need to be U.S. citizens, and the child does not need to be a citizen. Illinois says applying will not affect your immigration status.
How much is the CCAP copay?
It depends on your income and family size. Your approval letter shows the amount. You pay it to your child care provider each month. You can estimate it with the state’s calculator on the IDEC website.
How do I keep CCAP?
Approval lasts 12 months. About 6 weeks before it ends, a renewal form comes in the mail. Send it back on time to keep your CCAP.
Does The Learning Tree Center accept CCAP?
Yes. Both our Lake Zurich and Island Lake centers accept CCAP, and our team will help with the provider part of your application.
Information from the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, Illinois Cares for Kids, IDHS and INCCRRA, as of . Rules change every July. Your local CCAP office makes all eligibility decisions. Read more: CCAP-accepted daycare near Island Lake · Our programs · More parent guides