What a Link Card Is and How to Request One
A Link Card is the plastic debit card Illinois uses to distribute SNAP benefits (food information). When you are found to be part of a household that meets income and resource limits, the state loads your monthly benefit amount onto this card, and you use it like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets. The card itself arrives in the mail after your case is approved — you do not pick it up in person.
To get a Link Card, you first go through the process of being found to meet the requirements for SNAP in Illinois. That information happens through the Department of Human Services, either online, by phone, or in person at a local office. Once approved, the state mails your card to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you already have an active SNAP case and your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement card through the same channels — usually by calling the customer service number on your current card or logging into your online account.
Key Takeaways
- A Link Card arrives by mail after your SNAP case is approved; you cannot pick one up at an office.
- You request a Link Card by going through the SNAP information process with the Illinois Department of Human Services, either online at abe.illinois.gov, by phone at 1-877-997-1050, or at a local DHS office.
- A new card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days of approval, and you can use it when ready once it arrives.
- If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through your online account or by calling customer service without restarting the entire SNAP process.
Requesting a Link Card Online Through ABE
The fastest way to request a Link Card is through ABE (process for Benefits and may be able to access), Illinois's online portal. Go to abe.illinois.gov and create an account using your email address and a password. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and household income information.
Once you submit your process online, the state reviews it and sends you a notice by mail within 30 days. If you are found to meet the requirements, your Link Card is mailed to the address you provided. You do not need to do anything else — the card arrives automatically.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to explore online, you can call 1-877-997-1050 to request an process by mail or to ask questions about the process. A representative can also tell you whether your household may be found to meet the requirements before you submit anything.
explore in Person at a Local DHS Office
You can also walk into a local Department of Human Services office and request a Link Card in person. Bring a photo ID, proof of your address (a recent utility bill or lease), and information about your household income and expenses. The office staff will help you fill out the process on the spot.
Processing times are the same whether you explore online or in person — the state has 30 days to make a decision. However, explore in person can be useful if you have questions about what documents to bring or if you need help filling out the form. You can find your local office at www2.illinois.gov/dhs and searching by ZIP code.
Bring all household members' Social Security numbers if possible, or at least the primary applicant's. If anyone in your household is not a U.S. citizen, bring immigration documents as well.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
After you submit your process — whether online, by phone, or in person — the Department of Human Services reviews your household income, resources, and citizenship status. This review typically takes 7 to 30 days. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether you have been found to meet the requirements.
If you are approved, your Link Card is mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. The card arrives in a plain envelope with your name on it. Do not throw away the envelope — it contains your PIN (personal identification number), which you will need to use the card at checkout.
If you are not approved, the notice will explain why. You can request a hearing to challenge the decision, and the notice will include instructions for doing so. You also have the right to reapply at any time if your circumstances change.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Link Card
If your Link Card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement without restarting the entire SNAP process. The fastest way is to log into your account at abe.illinois.gov, go to the "Manage Your Case" section, and select "Request a Replacement Card." A new card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not have online access, call the customer service number on the back of your current card (or 1-877-997-1050 if you no longer have it). A representative can order a replacement over the phone. If your card was stolen, report it when ready so the state can freeze the account and prevent unauthorized use.
While you wait for your replacement card, you can still use your benefits. Ask the customer service representative for your account number and PIN, and you can use those to make purchases online or by phone at some retailers. Some retailers also allow you to look up your balance without the physical card.
Using Your Link Card Once It Arrives
When your Link Card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or by logging into abe.illinois.gov. You will be asked to verify your identity and set or confirm your PIN. Once activated, your card is ready to use when ready.
Use your Link Card like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP — this includes most grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets. You cannot use it to buy hot food, alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with SNAP, insert or swipe your card, and enter your PIN.
Check your balance regularly by logging into abe.illinois.gov, calling 1-877-997-1050, or texting BALANCE to 877-997-1050. Your benefits are loaded onto the card on the same day each month — usually between the 1st and the 20th, depending on your case number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Link Card after I am approved?
Your Link Card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Mail delivery times vary by location, so allow an extra few days for it to arrive at your address. If you do not receive your card within two weeks of approval, call 1-877-997-1050 to check the status.
Can I use my Link Card before it arrives?
No, you must have the physical card to use it at most stores. However, some online retailers and a few in-person retailers allow you to use your account number and PIN without the card. Call customer service to ask which retailers near you accept this method.
What if I never received my Link Card in the mail?
Call 1-877-997-1050 and provide your case number. A representative can confirm whether the card was mailed and to which address. If it was lost in the mail, they can order a replacement. If you moved after you applied, update your address in your online account or call to have it changed.
Can I get a Link Card if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Some non-citizens are found to meet the requirements for SNAP, depending on immigration status. Bring your immigration documents when you explore so the state can review them. Call 1-877-997-1050 before explore if you want to know whether your status may may have access to.
What should I do if my Link Card is stolen?
Call 1-877-997-1050 when ready to report it stolen. The state will freeze your account to prevent unauthorized use. Request a replacement card, which will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Any benefits used on the stolen card after you report it may be refunded, depending on the circumstances.