How to Apply for the Link Card in Illinois

The LINK card in Illinois is a card that provides low income families, single moms, and those who are unemployed help with the purchase of buying food. LINK works like a credit card and can be used at most grocery stores to buy food. Each household is given a certain budget and limit that is deposited onto their LINK card each month. That money allows the household to purchase food for their family. It is fairly simple to apply and there are places in Illinois that allow individuals and families to apply for the LINK card.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proof of 30 days income
• Proof of identity
• Social security card
• Proof of address
• Personal information such as birth date and social security number from all household members

1. Contact your local Human Services or Public Aid department. If you are a low income household, unemployed, or a single mom with children, you could be eligible for the Illinois Link card which could assist you with your food purchases each month.

2. Bring proof of any income that your household may have, social security cards, proof of address, and everybody's information who lives in the household. The office will need names, birthdates, and social security cards.

3. Speak with a case worker and set an appointment. Talk with them about your current money management situation during your appointment and let them know how the link card could be beneficial for you at the current time. Bring in any bills that you may be paying or behind on to show your household budget.

4. Fill out an application with your caseworker. Ask any questions that you may have concerning use of card and the amount that you will get. There is no reason to feel ashamed or guilty about taking the assistance. Everybody gets into some sort of financial bind at times. After your application has been processed and approved, your caseworker will present a Link card to you.

5. Call the toll free number on the link card and use your special pin number that was assigned to you so that you can check your balance on the Link card. Shop at grocery stores where it says "LINK" is accepted here. The Link card can be used like a credit card and swiped in the electronic machine. The card is almost unnoticeable and people won't know that you have it.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the situation is only temporary. The assistance is there to help you and your family during financial hardship. There isn't any reason to feel guilty for accepting help.
• A Link card is not a permanent income. It is there to assist those with financial hardships.

Resources

• Information about Illinois Link Card

[Pottawatomi]

on 11/17/2008 How do I track my link card? I applied Oct 31 at the Blue Island facility with Ms. Marion. She needed additional documentation and I faxed and mailed it the same afternoon. Ms. Marion said she would put an emergency on the card and I would have in 10 days. I have not received it yet and need it. I have tried calling her but her phone is always busy. Is there a way on the Internet I can track where this is at? The case number is 08-226-01-N09127. I would appreciate hearing back. My phone number is 708-609-1095 or my e-mail address is [e-mail].

Thank you.

Michele Cardenas