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.
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 | $23,606 | $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.