Lilly Highlights Expanded Child Care Assistance Program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is highlighting expanded eligibility for the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

“Parents and families deserve access to affordable, high-quality child care,” Lilly said. “Expanding child care opportunities will help working families care for their children as they work to create a better life for their family.”

CCAP provides low-income families with access to affordable, high-quality child care that allows parents to work or attend educational and job training programs. Under the expanded eligibility guidelines, families with incomes of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or lower will now be able to receive assistance for child care costs through CCAP, an increase from the previous cap of 185% of FPL. Additionally, families whose incomes increase to up to 225% of FPL will be allowed to remain in CCAP if they have previously qualified at the 200% of FPL level or lower. Full eligibility guidelines, an eligibility calculator and an online application for CCAP are available at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) at dhs.state.il.us.

“Accessible and affordable child care gives working families the opportunity to achieve their career and educational goals while giving their children a safe place to stay,” Lilly said. “Expanded child care assistance helps build a stronger Illinois by ensuring that more families can work to lift themselves up into the middle class.”