SingleMothers.us
Flexible jobs for single mothers in Illinois
Illinois gives most workers paid leave they can use for any reason, requires pay ranges in job ads and runs a refundable state earned income credit.
Pay in Illinois
Illinois’s minimum wage is $15.00 an hour for workers aged 18 and over, unchanged since January 1, 2025, according to the Department of Labor. Some local rates are higher from July 1, 2026: Chicago at $17.05 for employers with 4 or more employees, and Cook County at $15.40.
Employers with 15 or more employees must include the wage or salary range and a general description of benefits in job postings made after January 1, 2025, under the Equal Pay Act.
Leave for parents
Paid leave for any reason
Since January 1, 2024, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act lets employees earn at least 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours in 12 months, for any reason at all. Chicago and Cook County have their own laws instead. In Chicago you earn paid leave and paid sick leave separately, and sick leave also covers an unscheduled closure of your child’s place of care.
Family leave
Illinois has no law requiring paid parental leave. Eligible employees can use the federal Family and Medical Leave Act for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.
Help with child care
Since July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood runs the Child Care Assistance Program, which helps pay for care for children under 13. You can apply online or through your local child care resource and referral agency.
Smart Start Illinois funds state preschool. Preschool for All gives at least 12.5 hours a week to eligible 3-year-olds to 5-year-olds, and Preschool for All Expansion provides at least 5 hours of education a day in high-need communities.
Tax credits
The Illinois earned income credit is 20 percent of the federal credit and can result in a refund. For tax year 2025 it paid up to $866 with one child, $1,430 with two and $1,609 with three or more. Families with a child under 12 could also claim the Illinois Child Tax Credit, worth 40 percent of their Illinois earned income credit for tax year 2025.
Scheduling in Chicago
Chicago’s Fair Workweek Ordinance covers seven industries: building services, healthcare, hotels, manufacturing, restaurants, retail and warehouse services. It applies to employers with at least 100 employees worldwide, or 250 and 30 locations for restaurants, and to workers earning up to $33.85 an hour from July 1, 2026. Schedules must be posted with at least 14 days’ notice.
Getting into work
Illinois has more than 30 American Job Centers across the state. Insurance producers are licensed by the Department of Insurance, and pharmacy technicians register with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Questions about working in Illinois
What is the minimum wage in Illinois in 2026?
$15.00 an hour for workers aged 18 and over, the same as in 2025. Chicago sets $17.05 from July 1, 2026 for employers with 4 or more employees, and Cook County sets $15.40.
Can I use Illinois paid leave for my child?
Yes. Under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act you earn 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year, and you can use it for any reason, including caring for your child. Chicago and Cook County have their own leave laws.
Who runs child care assistance in Illinois now?
Since July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood runs the Child Care Assistance Program, which moved from the Department of Human Services. It covers children under 13.
Send us the hours you can keep
Send us your hours and your Illinois ZIP code. We look for flexible roles near you, or remote roles open to Illinois residents.