Watch the video: Covering the cost of child care just became harder for thousands of Illinois families.

There are new rules this summer surrounding child care for low-income families in Illinois.

On July 1, the Illinois Department of Human Services' Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)changed its co-payment structure and put a partial freeze on new applicants. The program will also start conducting background checks on relatives who provide child care.

Child care advocates say that the changes–which they argue are not connected to the state budget impasse in Springfield–will eliminate 90 percent of new program applicants from eligibility.

Those who are eligible will pay more out-of-pocket costs for child care, as their co-pays have increased. A number of advocacy organizations have filed a complaint against DHS requesting the rules be reversed and are seeking an investigation.

The complaint, filed by Illinois Voices for Children, states, in part:

Our complaint is based on the failure of the Department of Human Services to follow procedures required by the Illinois Administrative Rules Act for the lawful adoption of emergency rules, and the Department’s disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of Illinois citizens.

Further, we question the use of the emergency rule making process on an issue that has so clear an impact on the public as a whole, who deserve an opportunity to voice their concern prior to the implementation of such a sweeping change to a basic function of government.

Read the full complaint.

Photos:Casa Central’s Early Learning Center in Humboldt Park serves 101 children. Forty percent of its income comes from the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).