Link System Scheduled Maintenance FAQs

• What is happening?

  Illinois is transitioning the Illinois Link Card System to a new system.

• When is the transition happening?

  The transition of the Illinois Link Card System to the new system will occur on Saturday August 20th, 2022 beginning at 11:00 PM and will continue through 6:00 PM Sunday August 21st, 2022.

• How will transition downtime effect me?

  During this downtime, your LINK card will not be available to make purchases or ATM withdrawals. Additionally, you will not be able to access your account information from the Illinois Link Helpline at 1-800-678-LINK or the Illinois Link Card Website.

• When will I be able to use my Link Card again?

  Your Link Card will be active again on Sunday August 21st, 2022 after 6:00 pm.

• Will I lose my SNAP or Cash Assistance?

  No. All benefits that were available prior to transition will still be available after transition.

• Do I need to use all my SNAP or Cash Assistance before the transition?

  No. Your benefits will still be on your Link Card after the transition.

• Will I need a new Link Card?

  No. You do not need a new Link Card. The blue Link Card will work after transition.

• Is the design of the Link Card changing?

  Yes. The color of the Link Card will be changing to gray. However, you do not need to replace the blue Link Card. The blue Link Card will still work.

• Will I need a new PIN?

  No. Your four digit PIN will remain the same.

• How do I prepare for the transition?

  Before the transition, you should prepare by making food purchases, cash purchases and/or cash withdrawals needed during the transition prior to 11:00 PM on Saturday August 20th, 2022. The downtime will last until 6:00 PM on Sunday August 21st, 2022.

• Will I be able to call the Illinois Link Helpline?

  No. During the downtime, you will not be able to access the Illinois Link Helpline. After the transition is over on Sunday August 21st, 2022, the Illinois Link Helpline 1-800-678-LINK will resume it's normal functionality.

• Will I be able to access Illinois Link Card Website?

  During downtime, you will not be able to access the Illinois Link Card Website. After the transition is over on Sunday August 21st, 2022, the Illinois Link Card Website at: Illinois Link Card Website will become available again.

• What if I need to change my PIN?What if I need to change my PIN?

  On Friday August 19th, 2022, prior to Saturday's 11:00 pm downtime, customers will lose the ability to change their PIN; if your PIN becomes compromised, a new Link card will need to be requested through the Illinois Link Helpline at 1-800-678-LINK or through the Illinois Link Card Website.

• Is the Illinois Link Card Website changing?

  Yes. The website will still be Illinois Link Card Website , but it will have a brand new look. You will be required to create a new account. Instructions to create a new account are will be on website.

• What can I do on the new Illinois Link Card website?

  You will still access the Illinois Link Card Website. The website will be free. You will be able to: Check balances, select a PIN, view deposits, view transaction history, view your benefit schedule, locate SNAP retailers, report your Link card as lost, damaged or stolen, dispute transactions, order a replacement Link card, set a security pass-code on your account and the ability to freeze/unfreeze your Link card.

• How do I set up my account on the new Illinois Link Card Website?

  You will go to the Illinois Link Card Website.
  Click "Register Here" to begin creating your account.
  Please review "Login FAQ here" (ebtEDGE Registration Help (pdf)) for instructions on creating your account.

• Is the mobile app changing?

  Yes. ebtEDGE Mobile App will be replacing ConnectEBT. ebtEDGE, is free mobile app for EBT cardholders, is now available in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Through this secure app, you will be able to see your benefit balances, SNAP retailer and ATM locations, benefit schedules, and the last 90 days of transactions made on your card. You will need to enter your EBT card number and PIN to access your account information.

For any questions concerning the your Illinois Link Card or for help registering for the Illinois Link Card Website contact: 1-800-678-LINK (5465).