AI Overview
In Illinois, traditional foster parents receive a monthly stipend of approximately $418 to $511 per child, which varies based on age and is intended to cover the costs of board, clothing, and a personal allowance. This amount increases for children over age 12, and can be significantly higher for those with special needs or behavioral issues. Medical, dental, and prescription costs are paid directly by the state, and childcare expenses are covered if the foster parent is working or attending school.
Monthly payments
- Traditional foster care: A monthly stipend of approximately $418 to $511 per child, which increases with the child’s age.
- Children over 12: The rate can be higher, for example, around $511 per month.
- Children with special needs: Payments can be considerably higher for children with behavioral or other serious needs.
- Specialized foster homes: Payments for specialized homes can be substantially higher, with one source citing approximately $4,888.62 in 2023.
Other state-provided support
- Medical, dental, and prescription costs: All medical, dental, and prescription costs for the child are paid directly by the state.
- Daycare: The state pays for daycare expenses for children under 13 if the foster parents are working or going to school.
- School supplies: While the stipend is meant to cover many expenses, some sources note that the initial costs, such as for school supplies, can be significant and are often paid from the stipend.
Important note
- The payments are a stipend to reimburse foster parents for the child’s expenses, not a salary for their services.
- The actual amount can vary depending on the specific agency and the child’s individual needs.
In Illinois, the foster care system provides foster parents with a monthly reimbursement stipend, not a salary, to cover the costs of caring for a child. The amount of the monthly payment depends on the child’s age, with higher rates for older children and those with special needs.
As of 2024, the standard monthly reimbursement rates per child in Illinois are:
- 0–11 months: $401.00
- 1–4 years: $409.00
- 5–8 years: $427.00
- 9–11 years: $453.00
- 12 and over: $491.00
This total includes three components:
- Board payment: Covers expenses for food, housing, and utilities.
- Clothing allowance: A set monthly amount for clothing.
- Child’s allowance: A small monthly allowance for the child’s personal use.
Additional financial support
In addition to the standard monthly payment, other costs are covered separately by the state:
- Medical and dental care: All medical, dental, and prescription costs for a foster child are paid directly by the state.
- Daycare: For children under 13, daycare expenses are covered by the state if the foster parents are working or in school.
- Specialized care: Families who foster children with significant behavioral or medical challenges may receive an additional payment on top of the standard rate.
- Startup funds: Legislation introduced in early 2025 proposed a new, one-time payment of $480 to be paid within 21 days of a child’s placement.
What payments do not cover
- Reimbursable licensing costs: The monthly stipend does not reimburse foster parents for the initial costs required to become licensed, such as physical exams or smoke alarms.
- All expenses: Foster parents often use their own money to cover additional expenses not fully met by the monthly reimbursement.
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