PIN

  • Dos and Don'ts for Choosing a PIN
    • Here are Dos and Don'ts to remember when choosing your PIN:
    • Don't use a commonly-used combination, like repeating numbers (1111), or consecutive numbers (1234).
    • Don't use a year connected to any of your personal information, like your birthday, anniversary, or graduation date-or a year that was similarly significant for a family member.
    • Don't use a number connected to any other personal information, such as your phone number, Social Security number, license plate number, address, etc.
    • Don't reuse number that you've used for another purpose, like a PIN from a different card, or your phone passcode.
    • DO consider selecting a number that is significant for a private reason and changing it a little, such as a childhood address with the numbers in reverse order.
  • What if I enter the wrong PIN?

    If you are having trouble remembering your PIN, DON'T try to guess your PIN when entering it on a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal. If you enter the wrong PIN, you have three more chances to enter the correct number. If the correct PIN isn't entered by the fourth try, you won't be able to use it until after midnight because a hold is placed on your card. You can call Customer Service Number on the back of your card to change your PIN at any time.

  • What if I forget my PIN?

    If you forget your PIN or want to change your PIN, you can go to the Illinois Link Card Website or call Customer Service Number on the back of your card. You should choose four numbers that are easy for you to remember, but hard for someone else to figure out.

  • What is a Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

    A PIN is a four-digit secret number that allows only you to use your Illinois Link Card. If you received your card in the mail, you must go to the Illinois Link Card Website or you can call Customer Service Number on the back of your card to change your PIN at any time.

    You should choose four numbers that are easy for you to remember, but hard for someone else to figure out. Never tell your PIN to anyone! If someone knows your PIN, they can use your card to get ALL of your benefits - and those benefits will not be replaced.

  • What should I do if someone finds out my PIN?

    Immediately select a new PIN by calling Customer Service Number on the back of your card or by changing your PIN online at Illinois Link Card Website.

  • How do I select my first PIN?
    • When you are approved to receive SNAP, other food assistance or cash assistance, you will be mailed your first Illinois Link card. 
    • When you receive it, you must select your first PIN.  Either call the Illinois Link Help Line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465), or go to the Illinois Link Card Website .
    • You will need your 16-digit Link card number to access your Link account to select your first PIN.  You will also need your social security number and date of birth.
    • Once you have selected a PIN, you may change it at any time.
  • How do I change my PIN?
    • If you already have a PIN and want to change it, either call the Illinois Link Help Line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465), or go to the Illinois Link Card Website
    • If you order a replacement card, the PIN for the replacement card will be the same as the PIN for your previous card.  The PIN does not change, unless you change it. 

Benefits

  • How do I get my benefits with the Illinois Link Card?

    Each month your benefits will automatically be added to your account. You will use the same Illinois Link card every month to get your benefits. As you use your benefits to buy goods, your account balance will decrease.

  • What happens if I do not use my benefits?

    Cash and/or SNAP benefits are expunged for non-use once benefits have been available to you for at least 274 days (9-months) and no purchase transaction has been made with that type of benefit for 274 days (9-months).

General

  • Are there any transaction fees or surcharges for using my Illinois Link Card?

    There is never a transaction fee for using your SNAP benefits to buy food with your Illinois Link Card. There is never a fee for making a food purchase or receiving cash back from your Cash Assistance benefits at a store. Some ATMs may charge you a fee. To avoid paying any fees, it is best to withdraw your cash at stores that accept the Illinois Link card and provide cash back. You can withdraw cash from your cash account at an ATM up to two (2) times per month. After your second cash withdrawal, or your second balance inquiry, you are charged a fee.

  • Can I go to a bank teller and withdraw money or inquire about my EBT account?

    No, you may only use your Illinois Link Card to purchase food with your SNAP benefits using a POS machine at a store. Cardholders who receive Cash Assistance can use a POS machine to purchase items other than food or to withdraw cash at an ATM.

  • How to Use Your Illinois Link Card to Make Purchases at the Store

    If you receive SNAP or Cash Assistance benefits, you can use your EBT card to make purchases using a store's POS machine.

    Note: Only the exact amount of your food purchase is deducted from your SNAP benefit account. Stores will not give you change for SNAP benefit purchases.

    Know your benefit balance before you go shopping. You can check your balance on Illinois Link Card Website or by calling the Customer Service number on the back of your card.

    1. Choose EBT on the Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.
    2. Swipe your Illinois Link Card through the Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal OR hand your card to the cashier.
    3. Enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad. The terminal will show ****.
    4. Press the OK or ENTER key.
    5. The cashier enters the purchase amount and, if it is correct, you press the YES key.
    6. The cashier will hand you your receipt; make sure the information on the receipt is correct.
    7. Keep this receipt so you will know your new balance the next time you shop.

      The steps may be different for each type of Point-of-Sale (POS) machine you use, so ask the cashier if you need help.

  • How to Use Your Illinois Link Card to Get Cash at the Store

    If you receive Cash Assistance benefits, you can use your EBT card to make purchases and to withdraw cash using a store's POS machine.

    Know your benefit balance before you go shopping. You can check your balance on Illinois Link Card Website or by calling the Customer Service number on the back of your card.

    1. Choose EBT on the Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.
    2. Swipe your Illinois Link Card through the Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal OR hand your card to the cashier.
    3. Tell the cashier to charge your cash account.
    4. Tell the cashier the amount of cash you want or enter the amount on the terminal.
    5. Enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad. The terminal will show ****.
    6. Press the OK or ENTER key.
    7. The cashier enters the purchase amount and, if it is correct, you press the YES key.
    8. The cashier will hand you your receipt; make sure the information on the receipt is correct.
    9. Keep this receipt so you will know your new balance the next time you shop.

      The steps may be different for each type of Point-of-Sale (POS) machine you use, so ask the cashier if you need help.

  • How will I know my account balance?

    The easiest way to know your account balance is to keep your receipts. If you don't have your receipts, you may check your balance on the Internet at Illinois Link Card Website or you can call Customer Service Number on the back of your card. You should always know your account balance before you shop.

  • What happens if the Point-of-Sale (POS) machine is not working?

    If the store does not have a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, you may not be able to use your Illinois Link Card there; ask if the store accepts Illinois Link. Some retailers do not have a POS machine and instead will use a paper form, called a voucher, that you will need to sign. Some retailers may limit the amount of your purchase.

  • What if I plan to move or change my address?

    You must contact your local office during normal business hours if you move or change your address.

  • What if there is an incorrect transaction on my account?

    If you feel an error has been made on your EBT account balance, you should call the Customer Service number on the back of your card to initiate a claim.

  • When do I call Customer Service toll free number?

    Call Customer Service at 1-800-678-LINK:

    • If your card is lost, stolen or damaged.
    • If you have forgotten or lost your PIN.
    • To change your PIN.
    • To find out your balance.
    • To hear your last 10 transactions.
    • To hear the benefit distribution schedule.
    • To request a two-month history of transactions.
    • If you have questions or need help with your card.

Card

  • How do I take care of my card?
    1. Sign the back of your card.
    2. Don't write your PIN on your card.
    3. Keep your card safe and clean.
    4. Don't bend your card.
    5. Keep your card away from magnets and electronic equipment, such as TVs, radios, VCRs, microwaves, etc.
    6. Don't place it in direct sunlight (for example, on your car's dashboard).
    7. Don't throw your card away; you use the same card every month as long as you receive benefits.
  • What if my card won't work?

    Call the Customer Service number on the back of your card and they will assist you. This number is found on the back of your card. Customer Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • What is my card number?

    Your card number is the 16-digit number on the front of your card.

  • What should I do if I lose my card?

    If your Illinois Link Card is lost or stolen and you need a replacement card, call the toll-free Customer Service number at 1-800-678-LINK. All replacement cards will be received within five to seven business days.

  • Where can I use my Illinois Link Card?

    You can use your Illinois Link Card for SNAP and Cash Assistance purchases at participating stores. All stores that take Illinois Link should have an Illinois Link sign on the door. If you do not see the Illinois Link sign, ask the store manager if they accept Illinois Link before you shop.