Electronic Benefits Transfer EBT link card login portal is a system established by the United States government for issuing SNAP benefits using debit card technology. After benefits are added to eligible household accounts, cardholders spend them by swiping their EBT card at the point of sale (POS) and then entering their PIN number.
On this page, we are going to walk you through how to log in to your Illinois EBT link card log in portal in order to check your ebtEDGE card balance online, we shall also be showing you how to apply for an EBT Link card account here. So just read through to learn these and more.
About Electronic Benefits Transfer EBT Card
The Electronic Benefits Transfer EBT card has a 16 digit card number on the front. If the card was issued through the mail, the cardholder’s name is printed on the front. If the card was issued at the local social service office, the cardholder’s name is not printed on the front.
The back of the card has a place for the cardholder to sign under the black magnetic stripe. It also lists the toll-free customer service number. EBT cards must be cared for properly or the black magnetic stripe will not work. Keep the card in a safe place. Do not bend or fold the EBT card, do not scratch or write on the black magnetic stripe, and do not wash the card
Things You Can Do with EBT Link Card Login
- Change your address
- Check your Link account balance
- Report a lost or stolen Link card
- Order a replacement Link card
- Select your first PIN or change your current PIN
- Check recent purchases and withdrawals
- Report a problem with a purchase or withdrawal
Illinois Link Cardholders Login Management
There are two ways to manage your Illinois Link Account
1. Illinois Link Card Sign In Website
- Illinois Link Card Website – For language options, scroll to the lower right corner of the login screen, select: Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, or Urdu.
2. Illinois EBT Link Card Help Line 1-800-678-LINK (5465)
Listen for the language options of English, Arabic, Chinese, Polish, Spanish, or Urdu.
To speak your responses, wait through the prompts until asked to speak your 16-digit or 19-digit card number.
- If you do not have your card number, wait until asked if you would like to use your social security number, date of birth, and PIN.
Advantages of EBT Link Card Login
- Food can be bought using a simple, conventional plastic debit card
- If the EBT card is lost or stolen, the cardholder can report it and that card is immediately deactivated
- EBT transactions are faster for the retailers to process and receive their funds
- There are better audit trails to detect fraud and misuse of benefits
Illinois Electronic Benefit Transfer EBT Link Card Login Process
As an Illinois Link cardholder, you may log in to your link card to view and manage your card accounts.
To login EBT link card:
- Enter the last 4-digits of your Social Security Number
- Enter Your Date of Birth
- Enter your Card Number
- Click Login
If you have questions, please call the Illinois Link Helpline:
- 1-800-678-LINK (5465)
How to Check EBT Link Card Account Balance
To check your Link account balance, follow the simple steps below.
- Look at your last receipt, if you have it.
- Go to the Illinois Link Card Website.
- Call the Illinois Link Help Line 1-800-678-LINK (5465) or 1-877-765-3459 (TTY)
- Get your balance at a store that accepts the Link card. Some stores will give you the balance at their service desk without making a purchase.
- Do a balance inquiry at an ATM (for cash account balance only). You cannot get your SNAP Benefit(formerly known as food stamps) balance at an ATM, only your cash account balance.
Remember, you may be charged a fee, even if you are just inquiring about your balance.
How Do I Get a New Link Card – Replacing the Link Card
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 helpline or accessing the website need to enter;
- The social security number on the Link account,
- Date of birth, and
- The Link card number (printed on the card) or their Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Customers ordering a link card replacement from the Link Help Line must know their PIN.
Customers who never received a card or set up their PIN will not be able to replace their card through the HelpLine or website.
NOTE: If the account contains an EBT link card login security password, then the password must be verified before a replacement card can be issued.