What LINK is and where to use it

LINK is Wisconsin's electronic benefits transfer system — a debit card that delivers food information funds directly to your account. At Ford Lake Rice Lake, you can use your LINK card to buy may be able to access food items just like you would with cash or a regular debit card. The card works at any store displaying the LINK logo, including most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some convenience stores.

LINK stands for "Local Initiatives for Nutrition Knowledge," though many people straightforward call it a benefits card. When you receive food information through Wisconsin's FoodShare program, the state loads your monthly benefit amount onto your LINK card. You then swipe or insert the card at checkout to pay for food. The card does not show your balance to other shoppers, and cashiers cannot see what program you use — it looks and works like any other debit card.

Ford Lake Rice Lake, located in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, is a grocery store where you can use LINK to purchase food. Like all retailers accepting LINK, the store can only process payments for food items that meet FoodShare rules — fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and other staple foods, but not prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, or household supplies.

Key Takeaways

  • LINK is Wisconsin's debit card system for food information, and you can use it at Ford Lake Rice Lake and thousands of other stores statewide.
  • Your monthly FoodShare benefit amount is loaded onto your LINK card automatically each month, usually on the first day.
  • LINK cards work only for food items that meet FoodShare rules — produce, meat, dairy, bread, and similar foods, but not prepared items or non-food goods.
  • If your LINK card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or by calling the LINK customer service number on the back of your card.
  • You can check your LINK balance online, by phone, or at any store's customer service desk without paying a fee.

How your monthly benefit loads onto your LINK card

When you are enrolled in Wisconsin FoodShare, the state deposits your monthly benefit directly onto your LINK card. The deposit typically happens on the first day of each month, though the exact date can vary slightly depending on your case number. You do not have to do anything to receive the deposit — it happens automatically as long as your FoodShare case remains active.

Your benefit amount depends on your household size and income. A single person may receive a different monthly amount than a family of four. If your circumstances change — your income increases, someone moves in or out, or you gain employment — your benefit amount may change at your next recertification. Wisconsin sends you a notice in the mail before any change takes effect.

If you do not see your benefit on the expected date, check your balance first using the methods described below. If the deposit is genuinely missing, contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or call the LINK customer service line on the back of your card. They can investigate whether the deposit was processed and help you resolve the issue.

Checking your balance and transaction history

You can check your LINK balance in three ways without any cost. The easiest method is to visit the Wisconsin LINK website and log into your account with your card number and PIN. The website shows your current balance, recent transactions, and the date your next benefit will arrive. You can also set up text or email alerts to notify you when your benefit is deposited or when your balance falls below a certain amount.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the website, you can call the LINK customer service number printed on the back of your card. A representative will tell you your balance over the phone. You can also ask a cashier at any store — they can swipe your card and show you the balance on the register screen without charging you a fee.

Keeping track of your balance helps you plan your shopping and avoid running out of benefits before the next month. Your LINK card does not roll over unused benefits to the next month — any balance you do not spend by the end of the month is lost. For that reason, many people check their balance in the last week of the month to use remaining funds before they expire.

What you can and cannot buy with LINK

LINK covers food items that are meant to be prepared at home. This includes fresh and frozen vegetables and fruits, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products like milk and cheese, bread and grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and beverages like juice and milk. You can also buy food from farmers markets in Wisconsin if the market accepts LINK — look for the LINK logo at the entrance.

LINK does not cover prepared or hot foods, even if they are sold in a grocery store. This means you cannot use LINK to buy rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, hot pizza, or items from a store's hot food bar. You also cannot use LINK for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, household supplies, or non-food items like paper towels or soap. If you try to buy an ineligible item, the cashier will remove it from your purchase before processing the LINK payment.

If you are unsure whether a specific item is covered, ask the cashier before checkout. Most grocery store staff are familiar with LINK rules and can tell you whether an item will go through. You can also call the LINK customer service line or check the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website for a detailed list of covered and non-covered items.

Using your LINK card at Ford Lake Rice Lake

At Ford Lake Rice Lake, using your LINK card is straightforward. Shop for your food items as you normally would, then bring them to the checkout counter. When the cashier asks how you are paying, tell them you are using LINK. They will swipe or insert your card into the payment terminal, just as they would for a regular debit card. You may be asked to enter your PIN for security.

If your purchase includes both may be able to access and ineligible items, the cashier will separate them. The LINK payment covers only the may be able to access food items. You will need to pay for any ineligible items with cash, a credit card, or another payment method. This is normal and happens at every store that accepts LINK.

Your receipt will show the amount paid by LINK and your remaining balance. Keep your receipt in case you need to check your transactions later or if there is a question about your purchase. If you have any problems using your card at Ford Lake Rice Lake or any other store, write down the date, time, store name, and what happened, then contact LINK customer service to report it.

If your LINK card is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your LINK card is lost or stolen, contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or call the LINK customer service number on the back of your card right away. The sooner you report it, the sooner the state can block your old card and prevent someone else from using your benefits. You can request a replacement card, which will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

While you wait for your replacement card, you have options. Some counties offer emergency cash benefits if your card is lost and you have no other way to buy food. You can also contact your local FoodShare office to ask about a temporary card or emergency funds. Do not wait to report a lost or stolen card — the longer you wait, the more of your monthly benefit someone else could spend.

If your card is damaged but still works, you can use it until your replacement arrives. If it is damaged and does not work, call LINK customer service when ready. They can issue a replacement faster if the card is physically broken rather than lost.

Recertification and keeping your FoodShare active

To keep receiving benefits on your LINK card, you must recertify your FoodShare case on a schedule set by Wisconsin. Recertification means updating your income, household size, and other information so the state can confirm you still meet the income limits for the program. The frequency of recertification varies — some people recertify every year, others every two years, depending on their situation.

Wisconsin sends you a notice in the mail telling you when to recertify and what documents to bring. You can recertify online through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website, by mail, or in person at your local FoodShare office. If you miss your recertification important date, your benefits will stop, and you will need to reapply to get them back.

If your circumstances change before your scheduled recertification — you lose a job, gain income, or your household size changes — report the change to your FoodShare office right away. Changes can affect your benefit amount or your continued may be able to access, so it is important to keep the state informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my LINK card at farmers markets?

Yes, if the farmers market accepts LINK. Look for the LINK logo at the market entrance or ask the market manager. Many Wisconsin farmers markets participate in the program. At participating markets, you can buy fresh produce directly from farmers using your LINK card, just as you would at a grocery store.

What happens to my LINK balance at the end of the month?

Any balance you do not spend by the last day of the month is lost — it does not roll over to the next month. Your new monthly benefit is loaded on the first day of the following month. For this reason, it is a good idea to check your balance in the last week of the month and use any remaining funds before they expire.

Can I withdraw cash from my LINK card at an ATM?

No. LINK cards are designed for food purchases only and cannot be used to withdraw cash. If you need cash for other expenses, you will need to use a different payment method or contact your local FoodShare office about other support programs that may be available.

What do I do if a store refuses to accept my LINK card?

Most grocery stores and may be able to access retailers accept LINK, but if one refuses, write down the store name, date, and what happened, then contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or LINK customer service. They can investigate and work with the store to resolve the issue. You can also shop at another store that accepts LINK in the meantime.

Can someone else use my LINK card?

Your LINK card is for your use only. Technically, another person can swipe your card at checkout, but the benefits belong to you and your household. If someone uses your card without permission, that is theft of benefits, which is illegal. Keep your card and PIN private, and report any unauthorized use to LINK customer service when ready.