How to Qualify for the Illinois Link Card?

Apply for benefits to receive an Illinois Link Card.

An Illinois Link Card resembles a debit card and allows you to access cash and food stamp benefits by swiping the card and entering a PIN number. The Illinois Department of Human Services determines eligibility based on the information listed on your application and your verification documents. When your benefits are approved, the Illinois Department of Human Services will issue a Link card to you. You may download an application from the Illinois Department of Human Services website or visit an office in your area. Illinois residents may also apply online using the online application portal.

Instructions

1. Complete Pages 1 through 7 of the paper application. Read your rights and responsibilities on Pages 8 through 10. Sign Page 11. Complete Page 13 if you want to register to vote. If you apply online, follow the instructions and answer each question.

2. Gather the Social Security cards for everyone in your home. The caseworker may also request verification of your income, residence and identity. At your appointment with your assigned caseworker, the caseworker will tell you which documentation you need to provide based on your situation.

3. Mail, fax or return the completed application in person to your local Family Community Resource Center. The application process begins on the date the office receives your application.

Tips & Warnings

• To apply for an Illinois Link Card, you must be a resident of Illinois and either be a U.S. citizen or meet the program's immigration requirements.

• If you are applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, you must be pregnant or have a child under the age of 19 residing in your home. Children age 18 must attend high school full time. Aged, blind and disabled individuals must be at least 65 years old or older and either receive Supplemental Security Income or be ineligible for SSI due to income. If you are 55 years old or older with little income, you may qualify for general cash assistance. Other qualifiers include homelessness, physical incapacity or dependency on prescription medication to control seizures, high blood pressure or diabetes.

• If you are applying for food stamps, called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Illinois, you must prove minimum qualifications related to income, monthly expenses and the number of people in your home. At the time of publication, income for a household of one person under the age of 60 with no disability must not exceed $1,174 per month. Income for a person over 60 with a disability cannot exceed $1,805 for a household of one.You may qualify for emergency food stamps if your monthly expenses are more than your income, your monthly income totals $150 or less or you have less than $100 in readily available cash.

References

• Illinois Department of Human Services: Illinois Link Card
• Illinois Department of Human Services: Apply for Cash, SNAP (Food Stamps) & Medical Assistance
• Illinois Department of Human Services: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Illinois Department of Human Services: Request for Cash Assistance --- Medical Assistance --- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Illinois Department of Human Services: Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD)
• Illinois Department of Human Services: General Assistance/Transitional Assistance