What benefits can servers get in Illinois?

IllinoisVerified September 23, 2026

The short answer

Tax credits, Medicaid, and paid leave for any reason. The Illinois EITC is 20% of your federal credit, and unlike the federal one it’s open to workers 18 and older with no children, and to ITIN filers. Adults 19 to 64 with monthly income under $1,366 can get Medicaid. Under state law you earn 1 hour of paid leave per 40 worked, up to 40 hours a year.

The rule in Illinois

Illinois EITC, tax year 202520% of your federal EITC: up to $130 with no qualifying children, $866 with one, $1,430 with two, and $1,609 with three or more. Filers 18 and older without children and ITIN filers can qualify.
Illinois Child Tax Credit, tax year 202540% of your Illinois EITC if you have a child under 12 at the end of 2025. Figure it on Schedule IL-E/EITC.
Medicaid (ACA Adult)Residents 19 to 64 who are citizens or have legal status, with monthly income under $1,366 for one person or $1,845 for a couple. Apply through ABE, which also covers SNAP and cash assistance.
Medicaid work rules from 2027Some adult Medicaid customers will need 80 hours a month of work, school, volunteering, or a work program, or an exemption, with renewals every 6 months instead of 12.
Paid leave (PLAWA)Since January 1, 2024: 1 hour per 40 worked, up to 40 hours a year, usable for any reason after 90 days, with no reason required. Full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers are covered. Chicago and Cook County have their own ordinances.
Get Covered IllinoisThe state’s official marketplace, replacing HealthCare.gov for Illinois, and the only place to get financial help with a marketplace plan.
“Workers can use paid leave for any reason and employers may not require workers to provide a basis for their time off request.” (Illinois Department of Labor: Paid Leave for All Workers Act)

What’s different in Illinois

Illinois widened its EITC past the federal rules. A 21-year-old server with no kids gets nothing from the federal credit, which starts at 25 without children, but can claim the state credit. Parents of kids under 12 stack the Child Tax Credit on top at 40% of the state EITC.

On leave, the state gives time rather than insurance: there’s no Illinois wage-replacement program for family or medical leave, but the paid leave law covers any reason and part-timers. Tipped workers are paid at least the full minimum wage for that leave, per the Department of Labor. Watch the Medicaid work rule arriving in 2027. Plus the federal programs.

Official sources

Last verified

. Checked the agency pages linked above.

Still open: The Illinois Child Tax Credit page says the credit was created for tax years 2024 and 2025; it doesn’t say whether it continues for 2026.

Related

TipMax Answers explains public government guidance on pay and workplace rules in plain English for tipped workers. It is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Rules change and local rules can add to them. Confirm with the agency linked on this page or a qualified professional. TipMax the app helps you track tips and pay; it doesn’t enforce wage law or decide disputes.