What You Can Buy with the Illinois Link Card (SNAP/EBT): Eligible Items Guide

The **Illinois Link Card** is the state's **EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer)** card for **SNAP (food stamps)** and **cash benefits (TANF, GA)**. What you can purchase depends on the **benefit type loaded**.

SNAP (Food) Benefits — **Food Only**

✅ ELIGIBLE

• **Food for home consumption:** Bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, beans, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages.
• **Seeds & plants** that produce food for household.
• **Farmer's markets** (Double Value / Link Up Illinois programs match $).
• **Online grocery** (Walmart, Amazon, Aldi, Jewel, Target — select IL zip codes).

❌ NOT ELIGIBLE

• **Alcohol, tobacco, vaping products**
• **Hot prepared foods** (rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, pizza) — *unless* **Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)** eligible (homeless/elderly/disabled in participating counties).
• **Vitamins, supplements, medicines** (if labeled "Supplement Facts")
• **Pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items, diapers**
• **Live animals** (except shellfish, fish removed from water, slaughtered animals)

Cash Benefits (TANF / General Assistance) — **Broader Use**

• **Withdraw cash at ATM** (2 free/mo, then fees) or **cash back at POS**.
• **Purchase ANY legal item** — rent, utilities, clothing, transport, hygiene, diapers, pet food, etc.
• **Cannot:** Gambling, lottery, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, adult entertainment (per federal/state law).

Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) — Limited Counties

**Cook, Franklin, Jackson, Williamson, Sangamon, Peoria, St. Clair, Madison, Winnebago, Kankakee** — eligible recipients (homeless, 60+, disabled) can use **SNAP** at **approved restaurants** (Subway, Jack in the Box, local spots). Look for **"EBT Accepted Here / RMP"** sign.

Key Rules

• No sales tax on SNAP purchases.
• No cash change — exact EBT deduction.
• PIN required** — never share.
• Balance/check: **800-678-LINK (5465)**, ebtedge.com, or app.