An Illinois link card is a type of plastic card that works and looks like a debit card. This card is entirely an electronic card just like a debit card that is usually accepted at many grocery stores. If you are eligible for various snap and cash benefits, you could get access to both the benefits with the same electronic card. But, only one Illinois link card could be issued per account and this electronic card provides you various benefits. Let us see how to apply Snap Illinois link card and its benefits.
How to apply for the snap Illinois link card and its benefits
The Illinois link card works great and has functioned just like credit or debit cards as this card could be used in purchasing various food items at specific locations. You could apply to achieve this electronic card via online mode through the application for benefits eligibility portal. You could also apply through a paper application or your local family community resource centre.
How to apply for the snap Illinois link card?
You could apply for an Illinois electronic link card via an online portal or through paper application mode and could enjoy the benefits of the link card. Here are the steps that provide information about how to apply for a beneficial Illinois link card.
Filling of snap application
Firstly, you are required to fill out the application for cash, food stamps, and medical assistance through online mode. Take a printout of the application or you are required to fill the application at your local department of human services office. In case of an emergency, you could fill up the emergency application and could grab its benefits at an early stage.
Application Submission
After signing and completing the application, you are required to fax, mail, or deliver it by hand back to the family community resource office. After receiving your application, you need to go to the office for interview purposes and many interviews are conducted in person. But, if you are not able to come to the office, the interview could be done by telephone.
Wait for decision
Once your application gets processed, you would get a written decision from the office that provides you with information on whether your application is approved or not. If the application gets approved, the office’s letter would give information about what amount you would receive. The online submission portal allows you to submit and upload various verification documents and the decision of your application approval could take 30 days.
Grab your Illinois link card
If you get approval for your snap application, you would get an email with a link card and this card includes snap benefits money over it. Every month the food stamps would be placed electronically over the card. If you receive snap and cash benefits, then your cash benefits would also get placed on the same Illinois link card.
Benefits of Illinois link card
Anyone who gets approval to receive snap and cash assistance benefits would get an Illinois link card that could be very beneficial for certain people. The card entirely looks like a debit card and it is accepted for various types of purchases at the market. Through the Illinois link card, you could easily buy household items and food such as poultry, meat, cereals, bread, vegetables, fruits, and dairy items. Link card would also permit you to buy plants and seeds that provide you with food to eat.
Eligibility criteria
Snap offers food security for a huge number of the population and it is administered by States, which means its benefits are inconsistently distributed all over the country. Via this application, you could apply for various snap benefits for healthcare and medical programs along with cash assistance. To be eligible for an Illinois link card, you need to be a resident of Illinois and follow some requirements:-
- You should possess a current bank balance below $2001.
- You should possess a current bank balance below $3001.
Conclusion
An Illinois link card is a very beneficial electronic card that allows you to buy food items from the market. During payment, you just need to swipe your link card and enter your card pin, but if you buy products that are not eligible for a snap, you are required to pay separately for those items. Every month you could enjoy the benefit as it gets updated every month.
FAQ
Q1) How to grab cash from an Illinois link card?
Ans. To withdraw cash or to check the balance of your account, you are required to follow the following steps:-
- Abide by ATM instructions just for inserting and scanning the Illinois link card.
- Then, enter your pin.
- Once done with that, select the balance inquiry or cash withdrawal option.
- Then, choose the checking option.
- After that, type the amount of cash that you wish to withdraw.
Q2) How much time is taken for approval of the Illinois link card?
Ans. You would get an Illinois link card via mail at the address that you provide at the office and the mail could be delivered in seven days. For snap benefits, it could take 30 days.