DHS-CHILD CARE BENEFITS-CO-PAY

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. In a provision concerning income thresholds for determining income eligibility for child care benefits, provides that beginning in fiscal year 2014, the specified threshold must be no less than 200% of the then-current federal poverty level for each family size. In a provision concerning the establishment of a co-payment scale that provides for cost sharing by families that receive child care services, provides that beginning in fiscal year 2014, the co-payment shall be no more than 3% of all income that is not more than 100% of the federal poverty level; 7% of all income that is more than 100% but not more than 150% percent of the federal poverty level; and 12% of all income that is more than 150% but not more than 200% of the federal poverty level. Requires the Department of Human Services to adjust the co-payment scale annually, at the beginning of each fiscal year, to incorporate updates to the federal poverty level as determined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Provides that families with income that is not more than 50% of the federal poverty level shall pay no more than $1 per week. Removes provisions requiring the Department, in consultation with its Child Care and Development Advisory Council, to develop a plan to revise the child care assistance program's co-payment scale and requiring the plan to be completed no later than February 1, 2008. Effective immediately.