Tax Credit Scholarship Eligibility

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Through the “Invest in Kids Act,” K-12 students in Illinois with limited financial resources and income up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, are eligible to receive tax credit scholarships. Returning tax credit scholarship recipients (those who received tax credit scholarships for the 2020/21 school year), can make up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. The scholarships offered through this program could cover up to 100 percent of tuition and eligible fees.

 

For the 2021/2021 school year, the federal poverty guidelines are:

Household Size100%185%250%300%400%

2$16,910$31,284$42,275$50,730$67,640

3$21,330$39,461$53,325$63,990$85,320

4$25,750$47,638$64,375$77,250$103,000

5$30,170$55,815$75,425$90,510$120,680

6$34,590$63,992$86,475$103,770$138,360

7$39,010$72,169$97,525$117,030$156,040

8$43,430$80,346$108,575$130,290$173,720

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(released Jan. 2019) may change when new 2020 numbers are released

Before April 1, 2021, priority will be given to students from each of the following categories:

• Members of a household whose previous’ year’s total annual income does not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level ($47,638 for a family of four); OR

• Reside within a focus district* OR

• Received a scholarship from a scholarship granting organization during the previous school year; OR

• Siblings of a current scholarship recipient.

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After April 1, 2021, all other qualifying students will be considered for scholarships, subject to availability of funds.

*Focus districts are public school districts that have a school where at least one subgroup of students performs in the bottom 10 percent statewide or a graduation rate of less than 60 percent.

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