HB2044 Summary

• Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code to increase the income threshold for child care assistance eligibility beginning in State fiscal year 2020 to 300% of the federal poverty level for each family size.

• Replaces the previous threshold framework that had used 50% of State median income through fiscal year 2007 and 185% of federal poverty level beginning in fiscal year 2008.

• Maintains a minimum threshold of 185% of federal poverty level for working families with very low incomes beginning in fiscal year 2019.

• Preserves existing provisions for 12-month eligibility periods where families remain eligible for services despite changes in income (unless exceeding 85% of State median income) or temporary changes in employment or education status.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.