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All kinds of help

Care

Help paying for child care and preschool, care for older adults, and support for people with disabilities. Your state runs help paying for child care and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Head Start is free preschool for young children in families with low income.Help in Illinois and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Illinois

Illinois programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Child Care Assistance Program

    CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend school or training.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

  • Illinois Department on Aging

    Aging and Area Agency on Aging Services

    Local aging agencies connect older adults and caregivers with services and support in their communities.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Vocational Rehabilitation Services

    Vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    Developmental Disabilities Services

    IDHS offers services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Head Start and Early Head Start

    Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

    Find a program near you with the Head Start locator and contact it to apply.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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