WAG 22-01-01-e: Issuance of the Personal Identification Number (PIN)

PM 22-01-01-e

(Client) Selects their own PIN by contacting the Illinois Link Help Line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465) revised text or or the Link Card website at www.link.illinois.gov.

(FCRC) Issues a PIN pack;

  • if there is no SSN identified with the case.

A PIN pack can also be issued by the FCRC when a card is issued by the FCRC.

If the client is not in the FCRC:

  1. Access the Administrative Terminal and use the Card Management screen to select the Issue PIN option.
  2. Complete the Pin Pack log sheet PIN Packet log sheet (pdf) which is provided by the EBT contractor with each shipment of PIN Packets. Indicate whether or not a Link card is being issued with the PIN packet.  When issuing a PIN Packet without issuing a Link Card, attach Form 3658 to the Pin Pack log sheet. Scan the Illinois Link card through the reader on the Administrative Terminal keyboard.
  3. Enter the PCN code on the outside of the PIN Pack envelope in the pop-up box.
  4. Once the code is entered, press the update button to verify the information.
  5. Verify the social security number and date of birth of the client.
  6. Mail the Link card within one business day to the revised textcustomer's valid address.
  7. On the next business day after the Family Community Resource Center activates the card and assigns the PIN, mail the PIN pack to the customer's mailing address.

NOTE: Do not mail the card and the PIN pack together or on the same day. For migrant and other emergency situations, the Form 3658 may be signed at the point of application.

If the customer is in the FCRC:

  1. Verify the customer's identity.  
  2. Issue the next sequentially numbered PIN Packet listed on the Pin Pack log  PIN Packet log sheet (pdf). Indicate whether or not a Link card is being issued with the PIN packet.
  3. On the Administrative Terminal, use the Card Management screen to select the Issue PIN option.
  4. Scan the Illinois Link card through the reader on the Administrative Terminal keyboard.
  5. Enter the PCN code on the outside of the PIN Pack envelope in the pop-up box.
  6. Once the code is entered, press the update button to verify the information.
  7. Verify the social security number and date of birth of the customer.
  8. Give the Illinois Link card and the PIN Pack to the customer.

PIN Issuance Log Sheets

PIN Packet log sheet (pdf) is provided by the EBT contractor with each shipment of PIN Packets. Each PIN Pack log sheet contains 20 PIN Contol Numbers (PCN's). Complete this form to document each PIN Packet issuance.