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Need HELP with School Fees?

You may qualify for a WAIVER!

Students in need do not have to pay most student fees!  

All Illinois students have a right to attend school for free, but most schools ask students to pay various fees for things like lockers, field trips, a graduation cap and gown, or even science lab courses. 

Who Qualifies for School Fee Waivers? 

Schools have a process for waiving fees for families: 

  • With no or low income, or
  • Who are not permanently housed, such as living doubled-up in someone’s home, staying in a shelter or transitional housing, or sleeping in a car, abandoned building, or park. 

Fee Waivers

At traditional public schools and charter schools, if you receive free or reduced breakfast or lunch, you can also have school fees waived. This means that the fee is not charged, and you will not have to pay it at any point. But you will still be able to participate or receive the benefit as though you paid the fee. For example, you will be allowed to go on the field trip, get your cap and gown, and take the science lab course. 

No Punishment for Getting Fees Waived 

Schools cannot punish or discriminate against families or students if a family cannot afford to pay required fees or fines. Schools cannot do any of the following because a student is unable to pay school fees 

  • Lower the student’s grades
  • Exclude the student from classes or school activities
  • Withhold student records, transcripts, or diplomas

School fees or deposits for any of the following must be waived for students in need: 

  • Textbooks and instructional materials
  • Field trips during school hours or after school hours if the field trip is a required or customary part of a class or school activity – includes annually scheduled trips such as end-of-the-year or graduation field trips and activities
  • Graduation, including caps and gowns
  • Uniforms or equipment for sports or fine arts
  • Supplies for a specialized classes such as shop, home economics, laboratory, or art
  • Use of school property such as locks, towels, and laboratory equipment
  • Driver’s education
  • School records and school health services

Under recent changes to Illinois law, charter schools must waive all fees other public schools do. Also, students experiencing homelessness cannot be fined for lost or destroyed property. 

There are some fees that schools do not have to waive, but schools often have programs to help students cover these fees. They may assist with fees for:

  • Standard school supplies
  • Class rings
  • Yearbooks
  • School pictures
  • Diploma covers
  • Admission to school dances or athletic events
  • Optional travel

How to Request a Fee Waiver:

Schools are required to include a “Waiver of School Fees” form with the first fee notice each school year. You can request and submit this form at any time during the school year.  

If you need help getting fees or fines waived:

1-800-940-1119

Call the Law Project of the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness