Work Permit Information:
Work permits or employment certificates must be obtained for all minors 14 and 15 years of age before beginning work.
Child Labor Law Regulates the 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.
- 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.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (815) 434-0780
Work Permit FAQS:
Who is required to obtain a work permit?
Work permits or employment certificates must be obtained from your local school for all minors 14 and 15 years of age before beginning work. 820 ILCS 205/9-12.
What hours can a minor legally work?
A 14 or 15 year old minor may NOT work:
-before 7 a.m.
-after 7 p.m. between Labor Day and June 1.
-after 9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day.
-more than 8 hours on non-school days.
-more than 3 hours on school days.
-more than 24 hours during school weeks.
-more than 48 hours during non-school weeks.
-more than six days per week.
What kind of jobs are minors prohibited from performing?
There are 26 prohibited occupations that are considered "hazardous". Minors may not work in connection with these occupations. 820 ILCS 205/7 and 56 Ill. Adm. Code 250.205-250.255.
Do minors who are too young to attend school require a "work permit" for modeling/acting/performance work?
Yes. All minors under the age of 16 who are working as models, actors, and in performance work must apply for and receive an employment certificate prior to performing the work. 820 ILCS 205/8 and 8.1 and 56 Ill. Adm. Code 250.305-250.315.
What if I have questions concerning 16-17-year-old workers?
Those questions need to be directed to the U.S. Department of Labor.