Link Card facts
April 12, 2011 8:06PM
Updated: April 13, 2011 12:14AM
What they are: ATM-like cards that can be used at stores and cash machines to give welfare recipients access to food stamp (SNAP) and cash-assistance (TANF) benefits.
How many use them: 879,713
Eligibility: A family of three can get up to $526 in monthly food-stamp benefits, depending on income.
Average food-stamp payout: $296 per month per household
Average cash-assistance payout: $242 per month
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services
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