If you haven’t heard of link card, it currently serves as the replacement for the old food stamps in Illinois. There are programs very similar to Link Card in most states, so you should do some research if you don’t currently live in Illinois. Link Card saves people the embarrassment of having to hand over their food stamps to the cashier while holding the line up.
The link card is very similar to any regular debit card. Every month the government replenishes the current balance on the card so you can buy more groceries. To use it simply swipe it in any participating debit card reader.
The state has been incorporating the internet in most of their registration processes to make it easier for people to get their state benefits. Now it’s easier than ever to get a Link card. You don’t need to wait hours in line anymore, simply input your info online and wait for the link card to come in the mail.
One of the great things about applying for link card online is that you don’t have to wait through those massive lines. With all the people in the room it tends to get hot and it’s generally not a good time. However, with online use it’s so easy to do it from home.
After you fill in your information to the department of human services website, you’ll have to wait up to 30 days to receive your link card. If you’re trying to get medical or cash benefits, it could possibly take up to 45 days. So be aware of that when making any plans for your link card purchases.
There are a few things that you need to meet before you can qualify for link card. It depends on a few things such as income, unemployed, etc. Basically, you’ll want to do a little research before applying. However, it never hurts to put in an application if you’re unsure. The worst that can happen is you get denied, but who knows, you may get accepted!
There are a small percentage of link card users that commit fraud with their cards. To eliminate this, Illinois State is trying to pass a bill that will require link card users to have photos on their link cards. At the current time, it’s easy for someone to sell their link card to anyone. All you need from the link card holder is the name and password.