for Illinois Link Program Providers

Illinois Link CardThe Illinois Link Program is the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system used in Illinois to distribute food and cash assistance benefits authorized under several federal and state programs.

Families who are eligible for the food and cash programs access their benefits using their Illinois Link card by swiping the card through a point of sale (POS) terminal and entering their Personal Identification Number (PIN).

When a purchase is processed, the customer chooses to spend benefits from their food or cash Link account. Food benefits can be spent only on SNAP eligible food items; cash benefits have no restrictions.

Food Programs

  • Food benefits are authorized under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formerly Food Stamps.

Cash Programs

  • Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (AABD)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Refugee and Repatriate Assistance (RRA)

Link Card Holder Statistics

Benefit Type % Link Card Holders Receiving Benefit
Only Food Benefits 91%
Both Food and Cash Benefits 7%
Only Cash Benefits 2%