Illinois Link Card Information
The Illinois Link card is an electronic benefits transfer card that functions like a bank debit card to allow pubic assistance recipients to access their food stamp or cash assistance benefits. The Link card system has replaced benefit checks and food coupons. The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) deposits your monthly food and cash benefits into your Link card account. You can draw from your food stamp benefits at grocery stores and your cash assistance at automated teller machines or grocery store terminals. Once you've applied for public assistance and met the eligibility requirements, the DHS mails you a Link card to access your benefits.
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Terminal Access
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You need your Link card and a four-digit personal identification number (PIN) to access your benefits. You access food stamp benefits through designated Link card terminals in Illinois food stores. You can also receive cash assistance through these grocery terminals. According to the DHS, most Illinois grocery stores have Link card terminals. To access benefits you must swipe your card through the terminal and enter your PIN. When your purchase or withdrawal is complete, you get a receipt showing how much of your benefits remain. There is never a fee for withdrawing cash through a Link card terminal in a grocery store.
ATM Access
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Link cards can be used at automated teller machines (ATM) throughout Illinois to withdraw cash benefits. You cannot access food stamp benefits through ATMs, nor can you use a Link card at ATMs outside Illinois. You must have your card and your PIN to use an ATM. Link cards are processed by the ATM network like any other debit card. The DHS allows you to make two ATM cash withdrawals per month with no fee, while additional withdrawals do incur a fee. You are also subject to any surcharges or fees the ATM owner imposes on debit card transactions. These sums are deducted from your Link card balance.
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Benefit Roll-Over
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If you do not use all of your public assistance benefits in a particular month, they roll over to the next month. However, if you do not use your Link card for food or cash at least once every 60 days, your account is put on hold and you must contact the DHS to unfreeze your account. If your card has not been used for nine months and you have not contacted the DHS, your account is closed and you lose any benefits that have accumulated.
Balance
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The DHS provides several ways to find out how much you have left in your food stamp and cash assistance accounts. Your receipt for food purchases or cash withdrawals shows your balance. You can also check your balance online at the DHS Link card web site, www.link.illinois.gov, or by phone at the DHS Link card help line, 1-800-678-LINK. You must provide your Social Security number, date of birth and PIN.
Replacement
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If your Link card is lost, stolen or damaged, you must contact the DHS through the Link card web site or the help line phone number for a replacement card. Once you request a replacement card, you are unable to access your benefits until you receive the new card in the mail. You can also change your PIN or question a transaction through the web site or help line.
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References
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- Photo Credit Credit card image by amlet from Fotolia.com
