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Child Labor Law
Child Labor Law regulates employment of workers under 16 years of age. The law protects children by:
- requiring employment certificates. The certificate confirms that a minor is old enough to work, physically capable to perform the job, and that the job will not interfere with the minor's education;
- prohibiting work in hazardous occupations; and
- limiting working hours. All work before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. is prohibited. However, work until 9 p.m. is allowed from June 1 through Labor Day.
- Requiring that a child performer in an artistic or creative service have a trust fund set up in their name where 15% of their gross earnings will be deposited.
Special Note (Posted 5/15/18): URL access to the Child Labor Certificate has changed to: Employment Certificates Minor
Federal Law Guidance
Employers are generally subject to both state child labor laws and the federal child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. 212(c), and the FLSA regulations at 29 CFR Part 570. Certain provisions of Illinois state law may be less restrictive than federal law, and employers covered by the FLSA that only follow a less restrictive provision of Illinois state law will be in violation of federal law. See 29 U.S.C. 218(a). For more information on federal child labor law, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division website.
Contact Numbers
- Child Labor Information: (312) 793-5570
- Child Labor HOTLINE: (800) 645-5784 (toll-free)
Contact E-Mail:
- For general questions about child employment, e-mail:
dol.childlaborquestions@illinois.gov - To report possible child labor violations, e-mail:
dol.childlaborcomplaints@illinois.gov - To provide a copy of an approved child work certificate, e-mail to dol.childlaborlaw@illinois.gov
Forms/Links
- See the law, 820 ILCS 205/1-22 (Legislative Website)
- Administrative Code, 56 Ill. Adm Code 250 (Legislative Website)
- Age Certificate Form
- Child Temporary Employment Certificate Form
- Employment Certificate Form
- Child Labor Online Complaint Form
- Child Labor Complaint Form
- Certificate Of Physical Fitness
- Principal’s Statement To Issuing Officer
- Child Labor Hours and Restrictions
- Required Posters
- Child Labor Law Work Hours Waiver Fillable Application
- Entry of Appearance
- Child Labor Law Family Flyer: English & Español
- Child Labor Law School Flyer: English & Español
- Child Labor Annual Report:
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