In this post, we will provide the Illinois EBT Phone Number to call for help with your SNAP or Temporary/Cash Assistance (TANF) EBT card. However, before you call the Illinois Link Card Helpline, scroll below to see if the question you are calling about is already answered here.
This post will cover:
- What is Illinois EBT?
- Illinois EBT Phone Number
- Before you call the Illinois EBT Phone Number (Illinois EBT Card FAQs)
What is Illinois EBT?
The Illinois EBT Card, also known as the “Link Card“ is used for the delivery of benefits such as Illinois Food Stamps (SNAP benefits) and Cash Assistance benefits.
Once you are approved for food stamps or cash assistance, you will receive your benefits each month on an Illinois EBT Card.
Illinois EBT Phone Number
If you have an issue with your Illinois EBT card or Link Card, see the contact number below:
The number to call is 1-800-678-5465.
Representatives are available between 8:00 am – 7:00 pm., Monday through Friday.
However, hold times have been reported to be very long, as many people are calling the Illinois DHS to inquire about EBT benefits, especially during the pandemic.
To save you time and frustration, we have provided answers below to the most common reasons people call the Illinois EBT Phone Number.
Scroll down to see if your question is answered below.
Before you call the Illinois EBT Phone Number
As we mentioned above, the Illinois EBT Phone lines are flooded with phone calls from people trying to get details about P-EBT benefits for their kids.
Therefore, hold times are long when you call the phone number.
We have answered the top questions people call the Illinois EBT Phone Number for.
Scroll down below to see if your question has been answered below.
How do I check my Illinois EBT Card Balance?
There are five ways you can check the balance of your Illinois EBT card.
You can log in online and check the balance on your card.
If you are a new user of the Illinois EBT Card site, you must create a User ID and select a password.
If you are an existing user, visit the Illinois Link Card Website and type your User ID and Password into the box provided to log in to your account.
Once logged in, you can check your card balance, transaction history and set up alerts.
Also, you call the Illinois Link Help Line 1-800-678-LINK (5465) or 1-877-765-3459 (TTY).
Additionally, you can check your EBT card balance at a store that accepts the Link card.
Some stores will give you the balance at their service desk without making a purchase.
Furthermore, you can do a balance inquiry at an ATM (for cash account balance only).
Note that you cannot get your SNAP Benefit balance at an ATM, only your cash account balance.
Also, remember, you may be charged a fee, even if you are just inquiring about your balance.
Lastly, you can also check your Illinois EBT Card balance by viewing your last transaction receipt.
How do I get a replacement Illinois EBT Card?
Here’s how to replace a lost or stolen Illinois EBT Card:
First, If you suspect or know:
- That your Illinois EBT card or card number has been lost or stolen;
- That someone not authorized by you has gained access to your EBT card or card number and PIN;
- or, That someone has gained information about your identity that may result in your benefits being stolen.
If any of the above is true, follow these two (2) steps:
Step 1
First, you must immediately contact EBT Customer Service (1-800-678-5465) to report your EBT card lost or stolen.
Only by first contacting EBT Customer Service to deactivate your EBT card can you protect yourself against potential benefit theft.
When you call, the EBT Customer Service will deactivate your card so that no one else can use it.
You can also request a new replacement card to be mailed to you at this time.
Step 2
If you did not request a replacement card when you called EBT Customer Service to report your card lost, stolen, or damaged,
contact your Illinois EBT caseworker and request one.
Also, It is recommended that you select a new PIN for your new card at your local Department of Human Resources (DHR) office.
What Grocery Stores Accept Illinois EBT Online for Delivery?
The USDA has approved the Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) request to provide online purchasing options to SNAP households.
SNAP online purchasing allows recipients to purchase eligible food items online through participating retailers using their Illinois Link Card.
Both Walmart and Amazon, accept online purchasing with Illinois EBT statewide.
Additionally, the following grocery stores accept Illinois EBT through the Instacart mobile app:
Aldi and Niemann Foods (County Market) are now accepting EBT for pickup and delivery via Instacart.
When will I receive my Illinois EBT benefits?
Food Stamps Benefits in Illinois are deposited on the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 13th, 17th, and 20th of every month, based on a combination of the type of case and the case name.
Recipients may obtain information about eligibility and benefit availability by calling the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154.
How do I get an Illinois Link Card?
Anyone approved to receive cash assistance or SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits will be issued an Illinois Link card.
Here’s how to apply for an EBT card in the state of Illinois:
First, you can apply online on the ABE web portal. Click here to be taken there.
Also, you can call the Illinois SNAP Information line at:
Call the toll-free line at 1-800-843-6154
Call: 1-800-843-6154 (Voice)
Nextalk 1-800-324-5553
Call: 1-800-324-5553, 711 TTY Relay, if you have questions or need help with the application.
Additionally, you can pick up an application at an Illinois DHS SNAP Office.
You can also print out an application and drop it off at a DHS SNAP Office. Click here to download an application.
Illinois EBT Phone Number Summary
We hope this post on Illinois EBT Card Login and Balance was helpful to you.
If you have any additional questions about your Illinois EBT, P-EBT, or Illinois Food Stamps, please leave those in the comments section below.
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about EBT, including:
Free Admission with Alabama EBT
Alabama EBT Card FAQs
Alabama EBT Deposit Schedule
How to Request a Replacement Alabama EBT Card