Monthly reimbursement payments are not income for foster caregivers and should not be reported as income for federal or state income tax purposes.
Licensed Foster Care Monthly Reimbursement Payments
The amount of the licensed monthly reimbursement payment is based on the age of the child and is commonly referred to as the “foster care board rate.” Any changes to the regular foster care rate must be approved by the Illinois legislature within DCFS’ annual budget. This rate is also known as the “traditional” rate.
| Age of Child | Board | Clothing | Child's Allowance | Total |
| 0 through 11 mo. | $352.00 | $37.00 | $12.00* | $401.00 |
| 1 through 4 yrs. | $354.00 | $42.00 | $13.00* | $409.00 |
| 5 through 8 yrs. | $357.00 | $56.00 | $14.00 | $427.00 |
| 9 through 11 yrs. | $364.00 | $65.00 | $15.00 | $453.00 |
| 12 yrs. & Over | $374.00 | $74.00 | $16.00 | $491.00 |
| Effective 6/13 | ||||
*The personal allowance for children aged four years and under is to be used by foster parents for incidentals (toys, ratt les, etc.), which become the property of the child.
The monthly board rate can change, so caregivers can check with the Central Payment Unit (800-525-0499) for the most current rate.
Specialized Foster Care
The majority of Illinois children in DCFS care are served by families receiving the licensed foster care reimbursement rates shown above. Some children, however, have severe behavioral, emotional or medical problems that require caregivers with training and/or competencies beyond those of the traditional caregiver. In those incidences, the child’s case may be referred to an agency that has a specialized program to meet his or her identified needs. If you are interested in finding out more about fostering children with severe behavioral, emotional, or medical problems, ask your agency if their contract with DCFS includes children that match your special skills or interests.
Standard-of-Need Rate Payments for Unlicensed Relative Caregivers
Relatives who are not licensed as they take care of children in DCFS custody are reimbursed monthly, based on the standard-of-need rates. These reimbursements are less than those given to caregivers who are licensed. The standard-of-need rate varies according to the county of residence and the number of children in the home. Unlicensed caregivers are paid directly by the department even if a caregiver’s home is supervised by a private agency foster care program. These rates do change so unlicensed relative caregivers should always check with the Central Payment Unit (800-525-0499) for the most current rate.
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