Illinois EBT Card Balance -

Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards are a critical part of the social safety net in Illinois, functioning as a modern replacement for traditional food stamps and cash assistance programs. These cards allow individuals and families to access their allocated benefits to purchase food and other essentials. The Illinois Link Card is the state’s version of an EBT card, which is issued to eligible participants of assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Understanding the balance on an EBT card is essential for recipients to manage their benefits and ensure they can provide for their household’s needs throughout the benefit period. In Illinois, cardholders can check their Link Card balance, review recent transactions, and report issues such as lost or stolen cards through various means. They also have the capability to select or change their personal identification number (PIN), which is required for secure transactions.

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Understanding Your Illinois EBT Card

The Illinois EBT Card, also known as the Link card, is a crucial tool for individuals and families receiving assistance. This card allows beneficiaries to make food and cash benefit transactions at authorized retailers and ATMs.

Eligibility and Enrollment

To be considered for an Illinois EBT card, individuals must apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and meet certain income and residency requirements. Benefits include food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and cash assistance for qualifying individuals or families. Applications can be submitted online through the Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal, in person at local IDHS offices, or by mail.

Card Activation and Setup

Upon approval for benefits, recipients receive their Illinois EBT card by mail, which must be activated. Activation involves calling the Illinois Link Help Line or visiting the Illinois Link Card Website. Cardholders are required to select a Personal Identification Number (PIN), which can be changed at anytime. They need their 16-digit Link card number, social security number, and date of birth during this process. Once the card is activated and the PIN is set, the card can be used for authorized purchases and ATM transactions.

Checking Your Balance

Illinois Link cardholders have multiple convenient options for checking their EBT card balance. These include online, over the phone, and through ATM or purchase receipts.

Online Balance Inquiry

Cardholders can check their EBT card balance on the official Illinois Link Card Website. They will require their 16-digit Link card number, Social Security number, and date of birth to log in. Once logged in, they can view their balance, along with recent transactions.

Phone Balance Check

An alternate method is to call the Illinois Link Help Line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465). Upon providing the Link card number, Social Security number, and date of birth, the cardholder can obtain their current balance through the automated system.

ATM and Receipt Check

Cardholders also have the option to check their balance at ATMs that accept the Illinois Link card. Additionally, after making a purchase, the balance will be listed at the bottom of the store receipt. It is a quick way to stay informed about the remaining funds without having to log in online or make a phone call.

Managing Your EBT Account

In Illinois, managing an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account involves ensuring security through a Personal Identification Number (PIN), reporting any issues with the card, and monitoring transaction history.

Creating a Secure PIN

A secure PIN is crucial for protecting the funds in an EBT account. Cardholders are required to select their first PIN upon receiving their Illinois Link card. They must use their 9-digit social security number and date of birth for identity verification. It is essential to choose a PIN that is not easily guessable, combining four unique numbers that do not form simple patterns. For additional security, cardholders have the option to change their PIN at any time.

Lost or Stolen Card Reporting

Should an Illinois Link card be lost or stolen, it is imperative to report it immediately to prevent unauthorized use. Cardholders must contact the Illinois Link Help Line directly. This action will lead to the deactivation of the lost or stolen card and the issuance of a replacement card. During this reporting process, the cardholder will also select a new PIN.

Transaction History Review

Regularly reviewing the transaction history is an essential practice to keep track of one’s spending and to spot any unauthorized activities. Cardholders can check recent purchases and withdrawals either online or by phone. This feature allows them to ensure that all transactions posted to their account are accurate and to report any discrepancies or problems with a purchase or withdrawal immediately.

Using Your EBT Card

The Illinois Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card simplifies access to SNAP benefits. Recipients should understand how to utilize the card for their daily needs.

Eligible Purchases with EBT

SNAP benefits provided through the EBT card allow recipients to purchase a variety of food items that meet the program’s guidelines. These items typically include:

Dairy products
Meats, poultry, and fish
Fruits and vegetables
Bread and cereals
Non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food

The EBT card, however, cannot be used to buy non-food items like:

Pet foods
Soaps and paper products
Household supplies
Vitamins and medicines
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco

EBT Card Usage at Authorized Retailers

Recipients can use their EBT cards at authorized retailers that display the Quest® sign. These transactions are processed similarly to traditional debit card purchases; the cashier rings up the purchase, and the cardholder swipes their EBT card and enters their PIN. The EBT system will then validate the transaction, deducting the purchase amount from the cardholder’s SNAP account balance.

To ensure a seamless transaction, cardholders should: