WAG 22-01-01-d
Customers request replacement cards through the Illinois Link Help Line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465) or the Link Card website at www.Link.Illinois.gov. Customers calling the help line or accessing the website need to enter:
- the social security number on the Link account,
- date of birth, and
- the Link card number.
Customers ordering a replacement card from the Link Help Line must know the social security number on the Link account.
Customers who never received a card or set up their PIN will not be able to replace their card through the Help Line or website.
NOTE: If the account contains a security password, then the password must be verified before a replacement card can be issued.
In rare instances a Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) may issue a replacement card, for example when:
- Customers who never received a card or set up their PIN;
- Homeless customers using the FCRC address; or
- Residents of a CILA, or Drug/Alcohol facilities; or
- Cases with an approved representative; or
- Cases with no SSN; or
- The customer's Link card is destroyed in a disaster, such as a fire; or
- The customer has a language barrier, is elderly, or is unable to use the phone system or Internet. This is with approval of the Local Office Administrator (LOA).
Staff should stress that customers need to request their replacement card as soon as they know that it has been lost, stolen, or damaged, and not wait until they need to use the card. Do not continue to replace cards at the FCRC except in the above instances or with the approval of the LOA.
Excessive Link Card Replacement Notice
The Notice:
- Informs the household that their frequent replacement requests may be a sign of wrongful use of their benefits and they could be investigated if they make any future replacement requests.
- Reminds them that they do not need a new card every month, but their current card can be used each month they receive Food Assistance.
- Provides the telephone number for the Help Line (1-800-843-6154 or TTY 1-866-324-5553).
- Informs them that they should continue to request replacement if they lose or damage their Link card.
- Reminds them of the penalties for illegal use of their Food Assistance benefits.
