Child care can be costly, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can help you pay for it! 

The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) makes it possible for families and guardians who qualify to receive financial help. The program pays for child care costs so you can work, attend training, or school.

Signing Up Is As Simple As:

Assistance May Be Available If You:

• Have a child (or children) under the age of 13, and
• Are working and meet income requirements, or
• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and are in education, training, or other work activity approved by your caseworker, or
• Are a teen parent (under age 20) in high school, an alternative high school, or GED program, or
• Are attending education or training activities including ESL, high school equivalence, GED, vocational training, and 2- and 4-year college degree programs.

Families who fall within the income categories for their family size and meet eligibility requirements can receive help.

All families pay a portion of the cost of child care as a co-payment. The amount of the family’s co-payment is based on income and family size. You can be approved for full-time, part-time, or before and after school care. See Parent Co-Payment Rates.

If your family is currently unhoused or homeless complete the Certification of Temporary Living Arrangement Questionnaire (pdf) and submit it with your CCAP application.

CCR&R agencies across the state are funded by IDHS to assist families with finding quality child care. In addition, they help families with the process and paperwork to determine if they are eligible to receive assistance in paying for child care.

Find Your Local CCR&R

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