305 ILCS 5/ Illinois Public Aid Code.

(305 ILCS 5/9-8) (from Ch. 23, par. 9-8)

Sec. 9-8. Extension of Coverage.) If appropriate and sufficient facilities are not available through other agencies, the Illinois Department may extend those services provided in this Article which relate to work adjustment, education, training, and counseling and guidance on problems of child care, family relationships, home and money management, transportation, and health, to one or both of the following:

(1) persons and families who have been recipients of aid within 1 year preceding their request for the services, and who are likely to become recipients of aid again unless needed services are provided;

(2) other persons and families who request the services and whose economic, personal or social situation is such as to make it likely that without counseling, training or other services financial aid could reasonably be expected to be required within 6 months.

The services may be continued for such time as may be necessary to overcome the conditions which may result in dependency upon financial aid but each case shall be reviewed at least quarterly to assure that the services are not continued beyond a reasonable period of time.

Any extension of services under the foregoing provisions shall be limited to a pilot county or counties, or other test area, until the cost and effectiveness of the services provided are determined to be in the public interest.

The Illinois Department may also extend the educational and vocational training programs provided under Section 9-5 or Section 9-7 to persons whose income does not exceed the standard established to determine eligibility for aid as a medically indigent person under Article V, subject to the minimum quarterly review requirement established in this Section for persons designated in subparagraphs (1) and (2).

(Source: P.A. 93-632, eff. 2-1-04.)

(305 ILCS 5/9-9) (from Ch. 23, par. 9-9)

Sec. 9-9. The Illinois Department shall make information available in its local offices informing clients about programs concerning substance use disorder and prevention programs.

(Source: P.A. 100-759, eff. 1-1-19.)

(305 ILCS 5/9-10) (from Ch. 23, par. 9-10)

Sec. 9-10. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 87-528. Repealed by P.A. 92-111, eff. 1-1-02.)

(305 ILCS 5/9-11) (from Ch. 23, par. 9-11)

Sec. 9-11. The Illinois Department may make disbursements to any attorney, or advocate working under the supervision of an attorney, who represents a recipient of cash assistance under Article VI in a program administered by the Illinois Department, in an appeal of any claim for federal veterans' benefits before a hearing officer at a Veterans' Administration Regional Office or upon an initial appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals which is decided in favor of the recipient. The amount of the disbursement shall be equal to the disbursement awarded under Section 3-13 of this Code. No disbursement shall be made unless a petition and a copy of the favorable decision is submitted by an attorney or advocate to the Illinois Department within 60 days of the date of the favorable decision. The disbursement shall be made within 30 days after the petition is received. The Illinois Department shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 89-21, eff. 7-1-95.)

(305 ILCS 5/9-12)

Sec. 9-12. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-412; Repealed by P.A. 91-599, eff. 8-14-99.)

(305 ILCS 5/9-13)

Sec. 9-13. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07. Repealed by P.A. 95-322, eff. 1-1-08.)

(305 ILCS 5/9-14)

Sec. 9-14. Small business grant program. Subject to appropriation, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity may establish a small business grant program for public aid recipients who are interested in developing a new start-up business. Grant applicants must submit an initial business plan or proposal to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that clearly articulates the viability of the new start-up business and how the grant money will be used to develop the business. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall use such application materials to determine an applicant's eligibility under the program, the grant amount to be awarded, if applicable, and the number of grants an eligible applicant will receive under the program. If an applicant is determined by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to be eligible for a small business grant, the applicant must submit to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity every year that he or she participates in the program or applies for a new grant an updated business plan or proposal that demonstrates the continued viability or progress of the new start-up business. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this provision, including rules on the minimum and maximum grant amounts awarded under the program, the number of grants an applicant may apply for or receive during a specified period of time, and application requirements.

(Source: P.A. 100-347, eff. 1-1-18.)

(305 ILCS 5/9-15)

Sec. 9-15. Township food pantries. In a county under township organization, a township may provide, from moneys received and collected for public aid to all persons eligible therefor under Article VI of this Code, funds and administer programs for providing in-kind aid in meeting basic maintenance requirements, including, but not limited to, food, paper goods, toiletries, and clothing, to persons who are poor, indigent, homeless, or in need of immediate assistance, in addition to financial aid provided under this Code.

(Source: P.A. 101-309, eff. 1-1-20.)

(305 ILCS 5/Art. IXA heading) ARTICLE IXA. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM FOR RECIPIENTS UNDER ARTICLE IV

(305 ILCS 5/9A-1) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-1)

Sec. 9A-1. Declaration of Purpose. It is the purpose of this Article to provide recipients of public aid under Article IV the education, training and employment programs that will help them avoid long-term welfare dependence.

(Source: P.A. 86-1184; 86-1381.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-2) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-2)

Sec. 9A-2. As used in this Article only, "recipient" means only those persons receiving aid under Article IV.

(Source: P.A. 86-1184; 86-1381.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-2a)

Sec. 9A-2a. Federal poverty level; definition. As used in this Article, "federal poverty level" means the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2).

(Source: P.A. 102-491, eff. 8-20-21.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-3) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-3)

Sec. 9A-3. Establishment of Program and Level of Services.

(a) The Illinois Department shall establish and maintain a program to provide recipients with services consistent with the purposes and provisions of this Article. The program offered in different counties of the State may vary depending on the resources available to the State to provide a program under this Article, and no program may be offered in some counties, depending on the resources available. Services may be provided directly by the Illinois Department or through contract. References to the Illinois Department or staff of the Illinois Department shall include contractors when the Illinois Department has entered into contracts for these purposes. The Illinois Department shall provide each recipient who participates with such services available under the program as are necessary to achieve his employability plan as specified in the plan.

(b) The Illinois Department, in operating the program, shall cooperate with public and private education and vocational training or retraining agencies or facilities, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Community College Board, the Departments of Employment Security and Commerce and Economic Opportunity or other sponsoring organizations funded under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other public or licensed private employment agencies.

(Source: P.A. 100-477, eff. 9-8-17.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-4) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-4)

Sec. 9A-4. Participation.

(a) Except for those exempted under subsection (b) below, and to the extent resources permit, the Illinois Department as a condition of eligibility for public aid, may, as provided by rule, require all recipients to participate in an education, training, and employment program, which shall include accepting suitable employment and refraining from terminating employment or reducing earnings without good cause.

(b) Recipients shall be exempt from the requirement of participation in the education, training, and employment program in the following circumstances:

(1) The recipient is a person over age 60; or

(2) The recipient is a person with a child under age one.

Recipients are entitled to request a reasonable modification to the requirement of participation in the education, training and employment program in order to accommodate a qualified individual with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for a reasonable modification shall be evaluated on a case-by-case functional basis by designated staff based on Department rule. All such requests shall be monitored as part of the agency's quality assurance process or processes to attest to the expediency with which such requests are addressed. Implementation of the changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly is subject to appropriation.

(Source: P.A. 94-629, eff. 1-1-06.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-5) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-5)

Sec. 9A-5. Exempt recipients.

(a) Exempt recipients under Section 9A-4 may volunteer to participate.

(b) Services will be offered to exempt and non-exempt individuals who wish to volunteer to participate only to the extent resources permit.

(c) Exempt and non-exempt individuals who volunteer to participate become program participants upon completion of the initial assessment, development of the employability plan, and assignment to a component. An exempt individual who volunteers to participate may not be sanctioned for not meeting program requirements.

(Source: P.A. 92-111, eff. 1-1-02; 93-598, eff. 8-26-03.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-6) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-6)

Sec. 9A-6. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 86-1475. Repealed by P.A. 90-17, eff. 7-1-97.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-7) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-7)

Sec. 9A-7. Good cause and pre-sanction process.

(a) The Department shall establish by rule what constitutes good cause for failure to participate in education, training and employment programs, failure to accept suitable employment or terminating employment or reducing earnings.

The Department shall establish, by rule, a pre-sanction process to assist in resolving disputes over proposed sanctions and in determining if good cause exists. Good cause shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) temporary illness for its duration;

(2) court required appearance or temporary incarceration;

(3) (blank);

(4) death in the family;

(5) (blank);

(6) (blank);

(7) (blank);

(8) (blank);

(9) extreme inclement weather;

(10) (blank);

(11) lack of any support service even though the necessary service is not specifically provided under the Department program, to the extent the lack of the needed service presents a significant barrier to participation;

(12) if an individual is engaged in employment or training or both that is consistent with the employment related goals of the program, if such employment and training is later approved by Department staff;

(13) (blank);

(14) failure of Department staff to correctly forward the information to other Department staff;

(15) failure of the participant to cooperate because of attendance at a test or a mandatory class or function at an educational program (including college), when an education or training program is officially approved by the Department;

(16) failure of the participant due to his or her illiteracy;

(17) failure of the participant because it is determined that he or she should be in a different activity;

(18) non-receipt by the participant of a notice advising him or her of a participation requirement. If the non-receipt of mail occurs frequently, the Department shall explore an alternative means of providing notices of participation requests to participants;

(19) (blank);

(20) non-comprehension of English, either written or oral or both;

(21) (blank);

(22) (blank);

(23) child care (or day care for an incapacitated individual living in the same home as a dependent child) is necessary for the participation or employment and such care is not available for a child under age 13;

(24) failure to participate in an activity due to a scheduled job interview, medical appointment for the participant or a household member, or school appointment;

(25) if an individual or family is experiencing homelessness; an individual or family is experiencing homelessness if the individual or family: (i) lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, or shares the housing of other persons due to the loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; (ii) is living in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or camping ground due to the lack of alternative accommodations; (iii) is living in an emergency or transitional shelter; (iv) resides in a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; or (v) is living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus, train station, or similar settings;

(26) circumstances beyond the control of the participant which prevent the participant from completing program requirements;

(27) (blank);

(28) if an individual or family receives an eviction notice;

(29) if an individual's or family's utilities are disconnected;

(30) if an individual or family receives an utility disconnection notice; or

(31) if an individual is exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care (such as a health-care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution) without an option to move to a fixed, adequate night time residence.

(b) (Blank).

(c)(1) The Department shall establish a reconciliation procedure to assist in resolving disputes related to any aspect of participation, including exemptions, good cause, sanctions or proposed sanctions, supportive services, assessments, responsibility and service plans, assignment to activities, suitability of employment, or refusals of offers of employment. Through the reconciliation process the Department shall have a mechanism to identify good cause, ensure that the client is aware of the issue, and enable the client to perform required activities without facing sanction.

(2) A participant may request reconciliation and receive notice in writing of a meeting. At least one face-to-face meeting may be scheduled to resolve misunderstandings or disagreements related to program participation and situations which may lead to a potential sanction. The meeting will address the underlying reason for the dispute and plan a resolution to enable the individual to participate in TANF employment and work activity requirements.

(2.5) If the individual fails to appear at the reconciliation meeting without good cause, the reconciliation is unsuccessful and a sanction shall be imposed.

(3) The reconciliation process shall continue after it is determined that the individual did not have good cause for non-cooperation. Any necessary demonstration of cooperation on the part of the participant will be part of the reconciliation process. Failure to demonstrate cooperation will result in immediate sanction.

(4) For the first instance of non-cooperation, if the client reaches agreement to cooperate, the client shall be allowed 30 days to demonstrate cooperation before any sanction activity may be imposed. In any subsequent instances of non-cooperation, the client shall be provided the opportunity to show good cause or remedy the situation by immediately complying with the requirement.

(5) The Department shall document in the case record the proceedings of the reconciliation and provide the client in writing with a reconciliation agreement.

(6) If reconciliation resolves the dispute, no sanction shall be imposed. If the client fails to comply with the reconciliation agreement, the Department shall then immediately impose the original sanction. If the dispute cannot be resolved during reconciliation, a sanction shall not be imposed until the reconciliation process is complete.

(Source: P.A. 101-103, eff. 7-19-19.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-8) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-8)

Sec. 9A-8. Operation of program.

(a) At the time of application or redetermination of eligibility under Article IV, as determined by rule, the Illinois Department shall provide information in writing and orally regarding the education, training and employment program to all applicants and recipients. The information required shall be established by rule and shall include, but need not be limited to:

(1) education (including literacy training), employment and training opportunities available, the criteria for approval of those opportunities, and the right to request changes in the personal responsibility and services plan to include those opportunities;

(1.1) a complete list of all activities that are approvable activities, and the circumstances under which they are approvable, including work activities, substance use disorder or mental health treatment, activities to escape and prevent domestic violence, caring for a medically impaired family member, and any other approvable activities, together with the right to and procedures for amending the responsibility and services plan to include these activities;

(1.2) the rules concerning the lifetime limit on eligibility, including the current status of the applicant or recipient in terms of the months of remaining eligibility, the criteria under which a month will not count towards the lifetime limit, and the criteria under which a recipient may receive benefits beyond the end of the lifetime limit;

(2) supportive services including child care and the rules regarding eligibility for and access to the child care assistance program, transportation, initial expenses of employment, job retention, books and fees, and any other supportive services;

(3) the obligation of the Department to provide supportive services;

(4) the rights and responsibilities of participants, including exemption, sanction, reconciliation, and good cause criteria and procedures, termination for non-cooperation and reinstatement rules and procedures, and appeal and grievance procedures; and

(5) the types and locations of child care services.

(b) The Illinois Department shall notify the recipient in writing of the opportunity to volunteer to participate in the program.

(c) (Blank).

(d) As part of the personal plan for achieving employment and self-sufficiency, the Department shall conduct an individualized assessment of the participant's employability. No participant may be assigned to any component of the education, training and employment activity prior to such assessment. The plan shall include collection of information on the individual's background, proficiencies, skills deficiencies, education level, work history, employment goals, interests, aptitudes, and employment preferences, as well as factors affecting employability or ability to meet participation requirements (e.g., health, physical or mental limitations, child care, family circumstances, domestic violence, sexual violence, substance use disorders, and special needs of any child of the individual). As part of the plan, individuals and Department staff shall work together to identify any supportive service needs required to enable the client to participate and meet the objectives of his or her employability plan. The assessment may be conducted through various methods such as interviews, testing, counseling, and self-assessment instruments. In the assessment process, the Department shall offer to include standard literacy testing and a determination of English language proficiency and shall provide it for those who accept the offer. Based on the assessment, the individual will be assigned to the appropriate activity. The decision will be based on a determination of the individual's level of preparation for employment as defined by rule.

(e) Recipients determined to be exempt may volunteer to participate pursuant to Section 9A-4 and must be assessed.

(f) As part of the personal plan for achieving employment and self-sufficiency under Section 4-1, an employability plan for recipients shall be developed in consultation with the participant. The Department shall have final responsibility for approving the employability plan. The employability plan shall:

(1) contain an employment goal of the participant;

(2) describe the services to be provided by the Department, including child care and other support services;

(3) describe the activities, such as component assignment, that will be undertaken by the participant to achieve the employment goal. The Department shall treat participation in high school and high school equivalency programs as a core activity and count participation in high school and high school equivalency programs toward the first 20 hours per week of participation. The Department shall approve participation in high school or high school equivalency programs upon written or oral request of the participant if he or she has not already earned a high school diploma or a State of Illinois High School Diploma. However, participation in high school or high school equivalency programs may be delayed as part of an applicant's or recipient's personal plan for achieving employment and self-sufficiency if it is determined that the benefit from participating in another activity, such as, but not limited to, treatment for a substance use disorder or an English proficiency program, would be greater to the applicant or recipient than participation in high school or a high school equivalency program. The availability of high school and high school equivalency programs may also delay enrollment in those programs. The Department shall treat such activities as a core activity as long as satisfactory progress is made, as determined by the high school or high school equivalency program. Proof of satisfactory progress shall be provided by the participant or the school at the end of each academic term; and

(4) describe any other needs of the family that might be met by the Department.

(g) The employability plan shall take into account:

(1) available program resources;

(2) the participant's support service needs;

(3) the participant's skills level and aptitudes;

(4) local employment opportunities; and

(5) the preferences of the participant.

(h) A reassessment shall be conducted to assess a participant's progress and to review the employability plan on the following occasions:

(1) upon completion of an activity and before assignment to an activity;

(2) upon the request of the participant;

(3) if the individual is not cooperating with the requirements of the program; and

(4) if the individual has failed to make satisfactory progress in an education or training program.

Based on the reassessment, the Department may revise the employability plan of the participant.

(Source: P.A. 102-1100, eff. 1-1-23.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-8.1)

Sec. 9A-8.1. Improvement of information to applicants and recipients. The Illinois Department shall annually review all procedures and written materials that it has in place for purposes of compliance with subsection (a) of Section 9A-8 and Section 11-20.1 requiring the Illinois Department to provide full and timely information to applicants and recipients of aid under Article IV of this Code about their opportunities, rights and responsibilities under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and related programs. As part of this annual review, the Illinois Department shall provide copies of all procedures and materials to the Family Self Sufficiency Advisory Council or any successor advisory body containing a similar number and assortment of advocates, providers, contractors, clients, and citizens. The Family Self Sufficiency Advisory Council or successor advisory body shall review the existing procedures and materials in light of program rules, recent changes in the law or rules, and experience in the field, and it shall suggest changes to the Illinois Department. The Illinois Department shall produce new or revised procedures and materials, or ratify the existing ones, for use beginning each October 1. If the Illinois Department rejects changes suggested by the Family Self Sufficiency Advisory Council, it shall explain the reasons in a written response.

(Source: P.A. 91-331, eff. 7-29-99.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-9) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-9)

Sec. 9A-9. Program Activities. The Department shall establish education, training and placement activities by rule. Not all of the same activities need be provided in each county in the State. Such activities may include the following:

(a) Education (Below post secondary). In the Education (below post secondary) activity, the individual receives information, referral, counseling services and support services to increase the individual's employment potential. Participants may be referred to testing, counseling and education resources. Educational activities will include basic and remedial education; English proficiency classes; high school or its equivalency or alternative education at the secondary level; and with any educational program, structured study time to enhance successful participation. An individual's participation in an education program such as literacy, basic adult education, high school equivalency, or a remedial program shall be limited to 2 years unless the individual also is working or participating in a work activity approved by the Illinois Department as defined by rule; this requirement does not apply, however, to students enrolled in high school.

(b) Job Skills Training (Vocational). Job Skills Training is designed to increase the individual's ability to obtain and maintain employment. Job Skills Training activities will include vocational skill classes designed to increase a participant's ability to obtain and maintain employment. Job Skills Training may include certificate programs.

(c) Job Readiness. The job readiness activity is designed to enhance the quality of the individual's level of participation in the world of work while learning the necessary essentials to obtain and maintain employment. This activity helps individuals gain the necessary job finding skills to help them find and retain employment that will lead to economic independence.

(d) Job Search. Job Search may be conducted individually or in groups. Job Search includes the provision of counseling, job seeking skills training and information dissemination. Group job search may include training in a group session. Assignment exclusively to job search cannot be in excess of 8 consecutive weeks (or its equivalent) in any period of 12 consecutive months.

(e) Work Experience. Work Experience assignments may be with private employers or not-for-profit or public agencies in the State. The Illinois Department shall provide workers' compensation coverage. Participants who are not members of a 2-parent assistance unit may not be assigned more hours than their cash grant amount plus food stamps divided by the minimum wage. Private employers and not-for-profit and public agencies shall not use Work Experience participants to displace regular employees. Participants in Work Experience may perform work in the public interest (which otherwise meets the requirements of this Section) for a federal office or agency with its consent, and notwithstanding the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1342, or any other provision of law, such agency may accept such services, but participants shall not be considered federal employees for any purpose. A participant shall be reassessed at the end of assignment to Work Experience. The participant may be reassigned to Work Experience or assigned to another activity, based on the reassessment.

(f) On the Job Training. In On the Job Training, a participant is hired by a private or public employer and while engaged in productive work receives training that provides knowledge or skills essential to full and adequate performance of the job.

(g) Work Supplementation. In work supplementation, the Department pays a wage subsidy to an employer who hires a participant. The cash grant which a participant would receive if not employed is diverted and the diverted cash grant is used to pay the wage subsidy.

(h) Post Secondary Education. Post secondary education must be administered by an educational institution accredited under requirements of State law.

(i) Self Initiated Education. Participants who are attending an institution of higher education or a vocational or technical program of their own choosing and who are in good standing, may continue to attend and receive supportive services only if the educational program is approved by the Department, and is in conformity with the participant's personal plan for achieving employment and self-sufficiency and the participant is employed part-time, as defined by the Illinois Department by rule.

(j) Job Development and Placement. Department staff shall develop through contacts with public and private employers unsubsidized job openings for participants. Job interviews will be secured for clients by the marketing of participants for specific job openings. Job ready individuals may be assigned to Job Development and Placement.

(k) Job Retention. The job retention component is designed to assist participants in retaining employment. Initial employment expenses and job retention services are provided. The individual's support service needs are assessed and the individual receives counseling regarding job retention skills.

(l) (Blank).

(l-5) Transitional Jobs. These programs provide temporary wage-paying work combined with case management and other social services designed to address employment barriers. The wage-paying work is treated as regular employment for all purposes under this Code, and the additional activities, as determined by the Transitional Jobs provider, shall be countable work activities. The program must comply with the anti-displacement provisions of this Code governing the Work Experience program.

(m) Pay-after-performance Program. A parent may be required to participate in a pay-after-performance program in which the parent must work a specified number of hours to earn the grant. The program shall comply with provisions of this Code governing work experience programs.

(n) Community Service. Community service includes unpaid work that the client performs in his or her community, such as for a school, church, government agency, or nonprofit organization.

(Source: P.A. 98-718, eff. 1-1-15.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-9.5)

Sec. 9A-9.5. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07. Repealed by P.A. 97-48, eff. 6-28-11.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-10) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-10)

Sec. 9A-10. Support Services.

(a) The Illinois Department shall provide or pay for child care and other support services, if otherwise unavailable, to enable recipients to participate in or prepare for education, training and employment programs authorized under this Article. The Illinois Department shall provide and pay for such support services in accordance with procedures, standards and rates established by rule.

(b) Support services may include:

(1) transportation;

(2) child care;

(3) job search allowance;

(4) initial employment expenses;

(5) required books, fees, supplies; and

(6) required physical examinations and medical services.

(c) Participation shall not be required if support services are needed for effective participation but unavailable from the Department or some other reasonably available source. Support services shall be made available to the participant at no cost.

(Source: P.A. 86-1184; 86-1381; 87-860.)

(305 ILCS 5/9A-11) (from Ch. 23, par. 9A-11)

Sec. 9A-11. Child care.

(a) The General Assembly recognizes that families with children need child care in order to work. Child care is expensive and families with limited access to economic resources, including those who are transitioning from welfare to work, often struggle to pay the costs of day care. The General Assembly understands the importance of helping working families with limited access to economic resources become and remain self-sufficient. The General Assembly also believes that it is the responsibility of families to share in the costs of child care. It is also the preference of the General Assembly that all working families with limited access to economic resources should be treated equally, regardless of their welfare status.

(b) To the extent resources permit, the Illinois Department shall provide child care services to parents or other relatives as defined by rule who are working or participating in employment or Department approved education or training programs. At a minimum, the Illinois Department shall cover the following categories of families:

(1) recipients of TANF under Article IV participating in work and training activities as specified in the personal plan for employment and self-sufficiency;

(2) families transitioning from TANF to work;

(3) families at risk of becoming recipients of TANF;

(4) families with special needs as defined by rule;

(5) working families with very low incomes as defined by rule;

(6) families that are not recipients of TANF and that need child care assistance to participate in education and training activities;

(7) youth in care, as defined in Section 4d of the Children and Family Services Act, who are parents, regardless of income or whether they are working or participating in Department-approved employment or education or training programs. Any family that receives child care assistance in accordance with this paragraph shall receive one additional 12-month child care eligibility period after the parenting youth in care's case with the Department of Children and Family Services is closed, regardless of income or whether the parenting youth in care is working or participating in Department-approved employment or education or training programs;

(8) families receiving Extended Family Support Program services from the Department of Children and Family Services, regardless of income or whether they are working or participating in Department-approved employment or education or training programs; and

(9) families with children under the age of 5 who have an open intact family services case with the Department of Children and Family Services. Any family that receives child care assistance in accordance with this paragraph shall remain eligible for child care assistance 6 months after the child's intact family services case is closed, regardless of whether the child's parents or other relatives as defined by rule are working or participating in Department approved employment or education or training programs. The Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Children and Family Services, shall adopt rules to protect the privacy of families who are the subject of an open intact family services case when such families enroll in child care services. Additional rules shall be adopted to offer children who have an open intact family services case the opportunity to receive an Early Intervention screening and other services that their families may be eligible for as provided by the Department of Human Services.

Beginning October 1, 2023, and every October 1 thereafter, the Department of Children and Family Services shall report to the General Assembly on the number of children who received child care via vouchers paid for by the Department of Children and Family Services during the preceding fiscal year. The report shall include the ages of children who received child care, the type of child care they received, and the number of months they received child care.

The Department shall specify by rule the conditions of eligibility, the application process, and the types, amounts, and duration of services. Eligibility for child care benefits and the amount of child care provided may vary based on family size, income, and other factors as specified by rule.

The Department shall update the Child Care Assistance Program Eligibility Calculator posted on its website to include a question on whether a family is applying for child care assistance for the first time or is applying for a redetermination of eligibility.

A family's eligibility for child care services shall be redetermined no sooner than 12 months following the initial determination or most recent redetermination. During the 12-month periods, the family shall remain eligible for child care services regardless of (i) a change in family income, unless family income exceeds 85% of State median income, or (ii) a temporary change in the ongoing status of the parents or other relatives, as defined by rule, as working or attending a job training or educational program.

In determining income eligibility for child care benefits, the Department annually, at the beginning of each fiscal year, shall establish, by rule, one income threshold for each family size, in relation to percentage of State median income for a family of that size, that makes families with incomes below the specified threshold eligible for assistance and families with incomes above the specified threshold ineligible for assistance. Through and including fiscal year 2007, the specified threshold must be no less than 50% of the then-current State median income for each family size. Beginning in fiscal year 2008, the specified threshold must be no less than 185% of the then-current federal poverty level for each family size. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or administrative rule to the contrary, beginning in fiscal year 2019, the specified threshold for working families with very low incomes as defined by rule must be no less than 185% of the then-current federal poverty level for each family size. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or administrative rule to the contrary, beginning in State fiscal year 2022 through State fiscal year 2023, the specified income threshold shall be no less than 200% of the then-current federal poverty level for each family size. Beginning in State fiscal year 2024, the specified income threshold shall be no less than 225% of the then-current federal poverty level for each family size.

In determining eligibility for assistance, the Department shall not give preference to any category of recipients or give preference to individuals based on their receipt of benefits under this Code.

Nothing in this Section shall be construed as conferring entitlement status to eligible families.

The Illinois Department is authorized to lower income eligibility ceilings, raise parent co-payments, create waiting lists, or take such other actions during a fiscal year as are necessary to ensure that child care benefits paid under this Article do not exceed the amounts appropriated for those child care benefits. These changes may be accomplished by emergency rule under Section 5-45 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, except that the limitation on the number of emergency rules that may be adopted in a 24-month period shall not apply.

The Illinois Department may contract with other State agencies or child care organizations for the administration of child care services.

(c) Payment shall be made for child care that otherwise meets the requirements of this Section and applicable standards of State and local law and regulation, including any requirements the Illinois Department promulgates by rule in addition to the licensure requirements promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services and Fire Prevention and Safety requirements promulgated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and is provided in any of the following:

(1) a child care center which is licensed or exempt from licensure pursuant to Section 2.09 of the Child Care Act of 1969;

(2) a licensed child care home or home exempt from licensing;

(3) a licensed group child care home;

(4) other types of child care, including child care provided by relatives or persons living in the same home as the child, as determined by the Illinois Department by rule.

(c-5) Solely for the purposes of coverage under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, child and day care home providers, including licensed and license exempt, participating in the Department's child care assistance program shall be considered to be public employees and the State of Illinois shall be considered to be their employer as of January 1, 2006 (the effective date of Public Act 94-320), but not before. The State shall engage in collective bargaining with an exclusive representative of child and day care home providers participating in the child care assistance program concerning their terms and conditions of employment that are within the State's control. Nothing in this subsection shall be understood to limit the right of families receiving services defined in this Section to select child and day care home providers or supervise them within the limits of this Section. The State shall not be considered to be the employer of child and day care home providers for any purposes not specifically provided in Public Act 94-320, including, but not limited to, purposes of vicarious liability in tort and purposes of statutory retirement or health insurance benefits. Child and day care home providers shall not be covered by the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971.

In according child and day care home providers and their selected representative rights under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, the State intends that the State action exemption to application of federal and State antitrust laws be fully available to the extent that their activities are authorized by Public Act 94-320.

(d) The Illinois Department shall establish, by rule, a co-payment scale that provides for cost sharing by families that receive child care services, including parents whose only income is from assistance under this Code. The co-payment shall be based on family income and family size and may be based on other factors as appropriate. Co-payments may be waived for families whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty level.

(d-5) The Illinois Department, in consultation with its Child Care and Development Advisory Council, shall develop a plan to revise the child care assistance program's co-payment scale. The plan shall be completed no later than February 1, 2008, and shall include:

(1) findings as to the percentage of income that the average American family spends on child care and the relative amounts that low-income families and the average American family spend on other necessities of life;

(2) recommendations for revising the child care co-payment scale to assure that families receiving child care services from the Department are paying no more than they can reasonably afford;

(3) recommendations for revising the child care co-payment scale to provide at-risk children with complete access to Preschool for All and Head Start; and

(4) recommendations for changes in child care program policies that affect the affordability of child care.

(e) (Blank).

(f) The Illinois Department shall, by rule, set rates to be paid for the various types of child care. Child care may be provided through one of the following methods:

(1) arranging the child care through eligible providers by use of purchase of service contracts or vouchers;

(2) arranging with other agencies and community volunteer groups for non-reimbursed child care;

(3) (blank); or

(4) adopting such other arrangements as the Department determines appropriate.

(f-1) Within 30 days after June 4, 2018 (the effective date of Public Act 100-587), the Department of Human Services shall establish rates for child care providers that are no less than the rates in effect on January 1, 2018 increased by 4.26%.

(f-5) (Blank).

(g) Families eligible for assistance under this Section shall be given the following options:

(1) receiving a child care certificate issued by the Department or a subcontractor of the Department that may be used by the parents as payment for child care and development services only; or

(2) if space is available, enrolling the child with a child care provider that has a purchase of service contract with the Department or a subcontractor of the Department for the provision of child care and development services. The Department may identify particular priority populations for whom they may request special consideration by a provider with purchase of service contracts, provided that the providers shall be permitted to maintain a balance of clients in terms of household incomes and families and children with special needs, as defined by rule.

(Source: P.A. 102-491, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 102-926, eff. 5-27-22; 103-8, eff. 6-7-23.)