CCAP Illinois 2026: Income Limits and How to Apply

Updated November 2026.

The Illinois Child Care Assistance Program, known as CCAP, helps working families and students pay for child care. For new applications in 2026, a family of three qualifies with gross income up to $5,123 a month, or about $61,500 a year. Families pay a monthly copay based on income, and the state pays the rest of the provider's rate up to a set limit.

Since July 1, 2026, CCAP is run by the new Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC), not the Department of Human Services. Here are the current income limits, how the copay works, and how to apply.

CCAP income limits for 2026

These are the maximum gross monthly incomes for a new application, from the chart on the IDEC copayment page (revised July 1, 2026). They work out to 225% of the federal poverty level.

• Family of 2: $4,058 a month (about $48,700 a year)
• Family of 3: $5,123 a month (about $61,500 a year)
• Family of 4: $6,188 a month (about $74,250 a year)
• Family of 5: $7,253 a month (about $87,000 a year)
• Family of 6: $8,318 a month (about $99,800 a year)

Once you are in the program, the limit is higher when you renew. At redetermination, a family of three can earn up to $6,261 a month and a family of four up to $7,563 a month and keep assistance. This helps families get a raise without losing care right away.

Gross income means before taxes. Count wages, self-employment income and most other income for everyone in your family unit. If you are close to the limit, apply anyway and let the program decide.

Who qualifies for CCAP?

In general, you can qualify if:

• You live in Illinois
• Your family's gross income is under the limit for your family size
• You are working, or attending school or training
• Your child is under 13
• Your child care provider is licensed, or is a license-exempt provider that meets CCAP rules

Two-parent families usually need both parents working or in school during the hours care is needed. Schedules matter too, because the program pays for the hours you need care for your activity.

How much is the CCAP copay?

Every family pays a monthly copay to the provider. The amount depends on income and family size, and it is listed on your approval notice. Families with the lowest incomes pay $1 a month.

Here is what the 2026 chart shows for full-time care at the top of the new-application range:

• Family of 2 earning just under $4,058 a month: $278 copay
• Family of 3 earning just under $5,123 a month: $351 copay
• Family of 4 earning just under $6,188 a month: $424 copay

For most families, that is a fraction of full-price care. In north and northwest suburban Cook County, full-time infant care in a center averaged $437 a week in 2025, or about $1,900 a month. Our daycare cost guide has the numbers by age.

One thing to know: CCAP pays providers up to a state maximum rate. If a center charges more than that rate, the family may owe the difference on top of the copay. Ask any center you consider how they handle this.

How to apply for CCAP

1. Choose a provider. Ask whether they accept CCAP. Many centers help families with the paperwork.
2. Gather documents. Usually pay stubs for the last 30 days, proof of school enrollment if you are a student, your work schedule, and ID for each parent.
3. Apply online. IDEC's digital CCAP application is at getchildcareil.org and works on a phone, tablet or computer.
4. Get help if you need it. Your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency can answer questions and help with the application. In Cook County, that is Illinois Action for Children.
5. Watch for your approval notice. It lists your copay, your approved hours and your eligibility period.

Apply as soon as you have a provider and a start date. If you wait until after your child starts, you may be responsible for the full cost of care until you are approved.

Keeping CCAP after you are approved

• Eligibility usually lasts 12 months, then you renew.
• Report changes the program asks for, such as a new job or a change in family size.
• Pay your copay to the provider on time. Unpaid copays can end your assistance.
• If your income goes above the renewal limit, ask about the phase-out and the 3-month extension listed on the IDEC chart.

Other ways to lower child care costs in Illinois

• Dependent Care FSA: up to $7,500 a year of pre-tax money starting in 2026, if your employer offers it.
• Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: the credit rate rose to as much as 50% of expenses for lower incomes starting in 2026.
• Free preschool: Preschool for All for ages 3 to 5, and free full-day pre-K for every four-year-old in Chicago through CPS.

Frequently asked questions

What is the income limit for CCAP in Illinois for a family of 4?

For a new application in 2026, $6,188 a month in gross income, or about $74,250 a year.

Does CCAP pay for daycare centers?

Yes. CCAP can pay licensed child care centers, licensed homes, and some license-exempt providers, as long as they meet program rules.

How long does CCAP approval take?

It varies with the volume of applications. Applying online with complete documents is the fastest way. Your local CCR&R agency can tell you the current wait.

Can I get CCAP while in school?

Yes. Parents attending school or training can qualify, as long as income and other rules are met.

Using CCAP at Children's Land

Children's Land serves families from 6 weeks old through kindergarten at 12 locations in the north and northwest suburbs and Chicago, open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Ask your nearest location about using CCAP for tuition, or contact us to get current rates and schedule a tour. Learn more about our toddler program and the rest of our classrooms.

Related reading: Daycare vs Preschool vs Pre-K: What Is the Difference?