Child & Family Assistance Resources in Illinois

Last updated September 6, 2026

Illinois families facing financial hardship, housing instability, health challenges, or family crises have access to a broad network of state-administered and federally funded programs. Whether you need help putting food on the table, covering medical costs, finding safe housing, or navigating a difficult family situation, there are trained professionals and real programs ready to help — often at no cost to you.

The fastest way to find local resources tailored to your county or zip code is to call or text 211. Run by United Way of Illinois, 2-1-1 Illinois connects residents to health and human services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in multiple languages. You can also search online at 211.org. For children's services specifically, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) oversees child welfare programs statewide, while the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) administers most income-support, food, and family assistance programs.

Eligibility for many programs is based on household size and income, and applying for one benefit — such as SNAP — can often automatically screen you for others like Medicaid or child care assistance. Don't assume you won't qualify; many working families are surprised to find they are eligible. A local social worker or case manager can help you navigate applications at no cost.

Key programs in Illinois

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Illinois

Monthly food benefits loaded onto an Illinois Link Card that can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets. Eligibility is based on household size and income.

How to access: Apply online at abe.illinois.gov, call the IDHS helpline at 1-800-843-6154, or visit your local IDHS Family Community Resource Center. You can also start an application through 2-1-1.

Medicaid / All Kids — Illinois

Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income children, pregnant women, parents, and adults. Illinois Medicaid covers doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health care, dental, and more. All Kids extends coverage to children in families that earn too much for traditional Medicaid.

How to access: Apply online at abe.illinois.gov or call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154. You can also apply through a Federally Qualified Health Center or with help from a community navigator.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — Illinois IDHS

Subsidizes child care costs for income-eligible working families, families in job training, or families involved with DCFS. Helps parents pay for licensed child care providers, including home-based care.

How to access: Apply through your local IDHS Family Community Resource Center or online at abe.illinois.gov. Call 1-800-843-6154 for assistance locating your nearest office.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Illinois

Helps eligible low-income households pay heating and cooling bills and can assist with energy-related emergencies such as a shutoff notice. Administered in Illinois through IDHS and local community action agencies.

How to access: Applications open seasonally. Apply at your local community action agency (find yours via 2-1-1 or at illinoisenergyassistance.com) or call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children) — Illinois

Provides nutritious foods, infant formula, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to health care for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact your local WIC agency through the Illinois WIC Program via the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-323-4769, or search for a local clinic at idph.illinois.gov/wic.

Child & Family Assistance resources for Illinois

Alliance for Period Supplies

Nationwide

Provide period products to school students. Toolkit link: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Printable-PPiS-graphic-August-2026.pdf

New Haven, Connecticut203.821.7348
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American Pregnancy Association

Nationwide

Talk to a Pregnancy Educator. Essential Pregnancy Tools & Resources

Austin, Texas800-672-2296
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Babylist

Nationwide

Each Hello Baby Box includes a mix of samples, trial-size products, and special offers. You may receive items like: Diapers and wipes Bottles and pacifiers, Bibs or baby hats, Skincare or wellness samples Coupons or gift cards from partner brands. The contents of each box vary based on product availability and brand partnerships. Create a Babylist registry today to be eligible for a free baby box full of goodies for you and baby! Put anything onto your baby registry from any store.

Austin, Texas
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Breast Pumps Through Insurance

Nationwide

Fill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form with your due date and basic health insurance information—you’ll need your insurance card for this step. You can fill out the form to confirm your insurance coverage at any point during your pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.

Austin, Texas1-844-867-9890
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Cribs for Kids At Home

Nationwide

Orders must be placed through the Cribs for Kids Partner Store and shipping will be arranged through UPS.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania1-888-721-CRIB
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I Support The Girls

Nationwide

Provides essential items like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products.

Wheaton, Maryland(240) 816-0570
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Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

Nationwide

Donor human milk provides access to life-saving pasteurized breast milk to critically ill infants in the first few days and weeks. DSHS uses Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) standards to determine minimum Texas human donor milk bank guidelines. Texas HMBANA milk bank locations are Mothers Milk Bank Austin and Mothers Milk Bank North Texas. Both locations offer programs that include access to donor human milk for healthy infants needing added feeding support.

512-494-0800, Texas512-494-0800
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National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Nationwide

Professional counselors answer Hotline calls, texts, and chats. They may be licensed health care professionals, certified educators, or specialists.

Austin, Texas1-833-TLC-MAMA
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Share The Love

Nationwide

Through this program, low-income families who receive assistance from programs like WIC and TANF may be able to receive a set of CLOTH diapers — for free. Locations: https://www.cottonbabieslove.com/locations/

Pflugerville, Texas
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She Supply

Nationwide

Provide free feminine hygiene products and undergarments to shelters and other nonprofits in the DFW metroplex.

Flower Mound, Texas
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Tiny Treasures Milk Bank

Nationwide

Pays for all of your donor qualification expenses. Provides you with free breastmilk storage bags and shipping coolers for donations. Pays for the shipping of your breastmilk donations

Duarte, California(855) 348-5192
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WIC Breastfeeding Support

Nationwide

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

Cameron, Texas(254) 697-4913
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