ILLINOIS — Whether you’re shopping for groceries or planning meals for the week, knowing your EBT balance is essential for every SNAP recipient. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offers several secure and fast ways to check your food stamp balance — online, by app, or over the phone. Here’s your updated guide for July 2025.
1. Check Your Balance Online at the Illinois Link Portal
The Illinois Link Card website is the official place to check your EBT balance:
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Go to ebt-link.illinois.gov
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Click “Login to your account”
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Enter your User ID and Password
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View your current SNAP balance, recent transactions, and benefit history
If you haven’t registered yet, you can also create an account using your 16-digit card number and other basic information.
2. Use the Providers App (formerly Fresh EBT)
Many Illinois families prefer using the Providers mobile app, which securely connects to your EBT account and provides more than just balance tracking.
App Features:
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Real-time balance updates
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Upcoming deposit notifications
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Budgeting tools for SNAP families
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Local job boards and savings tips
Download links:
The app does not store your card number after setup and uses bank-level security to keep your information safe.
3. Call the Illinois Link Toll-Free Number
If you don’t have internet access or a smartphone, you can check your balance by calling the official IDHS SNAP hotline:
1-800-678-LINK (5465)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Language support available for English, Spanish, and other languages
Use the automated system to:
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Hear your current balance
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Check recent transactions
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Report a lost/stolen card
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Get replacement help
Make sure to have your EBT card number and PIN ready when you call.
4. Check Your Receipt After Purchases
Your latest SNAP balance will also appear on the receipt from any EBT-eligible purchase. Major stores like Walmart, Aldi, Jewel-Osco, and Target will print your balance at the bottom of the receipt.
Just remember: the balance shown reflects the moment of your last purchase and may not include any upcoming deposits.
Tip for July 2025 SNAP Recipients
If you’re expecting a deposit this month and don’t see it yet, remember that Illinois issues SNAP benefits between the 1st and 10th, based on the last two digits of your case number. Check the full July payout schedule in our Illinois SNAP July 2025 article for exact dates.
Do You Use the EBT App or Prefer Calling In?
We want to know what works best for Illinois families. Share your experience in the comments at chicagosuburbanfamily.com so others can learn from you.
