Do I Qualify
Eligibility Criteria
Illinois’ Tax Credit Scholarship Program is 100% need-based. K-12 students from low-income and working-class families are eligible to receive a tax credit scholarship through Empower Illinois. See the chart below for more details.
Before April 1, students who meet one of the following criteria will be in Category 1:
- Are members of a household whose previous year’s total annual income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level;
- Reside within a focus district;
- Received a scholarship from a scholarship granting organization during the previous school year; or
- Are siblings of students currently receiving a scholarship.
Please note that even if you are in Category 1, your place in line will still be subject to the order of your timestamp. After April 1, all other students will be considered for a scholarship, subject to the availability of funds.
Income qualification is based on the tax year listed on the proof of income documents submitted with an application.
Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Chart
| Household members | 185% FPL | 250% FPL | 300% FPL |
| 1 | $23,828 | $32,200 | $38,640 |
| 2 | $32,227 | $43,550 | $52,260 |
| 3 | $40,626 | $54,900 | $65,880 |
| 4 | $49,025 | $66,250 | $79,500 |
| 5 | $57,424 | $77,600 | $93,120 |
| 6 | $65,823 | $88,950 | $106,740 |
| 7 | $73,334 | $100,300 | $120,360 |
| 8 | $82,621 | $111,650 | $133,980 |
| Household members | 185% FPL | 250% FPL | 300% FPL |
| 1 | $23,606 | $31,900 | $38,280 |
| 2 | $31,894 | $43,100 | $51,720 |
| 3 | $40,182 | $54,300 | $65,160 |
| 4 | $48,470 | $65,500 | $78,600 |
| 5 | $56,758 | $76,700 | $92,040 |
| 6 | $65,046 | $87,900 | $105,480 |
| 7 | $73,334 | $99,100 | $118,920 |
| 8 | $81,622 | $110,300 | $132,360 |
| Household members | 185% FPL | 250% FPL | 300% FPL |
| 1 | $23,106.50 | $31,225 | $37,470 |
| 2 | $31,283.50 | $42,275 | $50,730 |
| 3 | $39,460.50 | $53,325 | $63,990 |
| 4 | $47,637.50 | $64,375 | $77,250 |
| 5 | $55,814.50 | $74,425 | $90,510 |
| 6 | $63,991.50 | $86,475 | $103,770 |
| 7 | $72,168.50 | $97,525 | $117,030 |
| 8 | $80,345.50 | $108,575 | $130,290 |
| Household members | 185% FPL | 250% FPL | 300% FPL |
| 1 | $22,459 | $30,350 | $36,420 |
| 2 | $30,451 | $41,150 | $49,380 |
| 3 | $38,443 | $51,950 | $62,340 |
| 4 | $46,435 | $62,750 | $75,300 |
| 5 | $54,427 | $73,550 | $88,260 |
| 6 | $62,419 | $84,350 | $101,220 |
| 7 | $70,411 | $95,150 | $114,180 |
| 8 | $78,403 | $105,950 | $127,140 |
Note:
- If more than eight people in your household, please see our Tax Credit Scholarship Program FAQ to calculate your income limits.
- Foster children are deemed to have a household income that does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level.
- Income qualification is based on the tax year listed on the proof of income documents submitted with an application.