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Illinois EBT Discounts and Perks 2024

If you have been looking to get details about Illinois EBT Discounts and Perks, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will review all the amazing perks and discounts that are available to EBT cardholders in the state of Illinois.

Some of these great discounts include about a 50% discount on Amazon Prime membership.

In case you are not familiar with Amazon Prime, it offers FREE fast shipping for eligible purchases, streaming of movies, TV shows and music, exclusive shopping deals and selection, unlimited reading, and more.

In addition, there are also discounted home internet services for those who qualify.

Also, your Illinois Link Card gives you discounted or FREE access to museums and other great family-friendly places in the state of Illinois.

In this post, we are going to share all the exciting Illinois EBT discounts, perks, and free stuff available to cardholders.
"Illinois EBT Discounts"

National EBT Discounts

Below are the discounts that are available to all EBT Cardholders across the United States, that can also be redeemed by Illinois EBT Card Holders.

Amazon Prime EBT Discount

If you have an Illinois Link Card, you can now sign up for Amazon Prime EBT Discount and get all the great benefits that come with Prime membership, at a fraction of the cost.

The regular Amazon Prime membership is $14.99 a month. However, if you have an EBT Card, you can get Prime Membership for $6.99. That’s over 50% off the regular price.

Given that Amazon is part of the USDA pilot of vendors approved to accept food stamps online for delivery, prime membership allows you to order groceries through Amazon Pantry in certain parts of the country.

Sign-up for Amazon Prime EBT Discount HERE

If you are not sure if the Amazon Prime EBT Discount is worth it, here is a summary of the what you get with your Amazon Prime membership:

FREE, Fast Delivery on Millions of Items

With Amazon Prime membership, you get fast, free shipping on over 50 million eligible items on Amazon.com. They have also rolled out a program recently that allows people who live in certain metropolitan areas to get FREE Same-Day Delivery on over a million items and FREE 2-hour delivery with Prime Now on daily essentials and groceries.

Instantly Stream TV Shows and Movies

One of the most popular features is the instant streaming of TV Shows and Movies. Your Prime membership includes instant access to thousands of movies and TV shows at no additional cost. You can stream all these on select Smart TVs, Roku, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, iPhones, tablets, and Android devices.

Other Benefits of Amazon Prime

  • Buy groceries online with your EBT Card through Amazon Pantry for delivery (in states where this is available)
  • Over two million songs. Thousands of playlists and stations (On-demand, ad-free music streaming)
  • Books, Magazines & More (Unlimited reading on any device)
  • Original audio series from Audible (Unlimited listening to original audio series)
  • Twitch Prime (Get free game content every month, exclusive discounts, plus loads more)
  • All your photos, together at last (Free unlimited photo storage)

"Illinois EBT Discounts and Perks"

Illinois EBT Discounts for 2024

Lifeline Program

If you are currently on Food Stamps/EBT Cardholder, and your income is below a certain level, you may qualify for FREE or low-cost home or cell phone service for you or a member of your family through the Federal Lifeline Program, which serves nearly 13 million Americans.

The Lifeline program helps to lower the monthly cost of phone and internet service. Eligible customers will get at least $9.25 toward their monthly bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet service, but not both.

Discounted Cell Phone Services

Below is a list of cell phone providers that participate in the Lifeline program in the state of Illinois.

Company Name Phone
Life Wireless 888-543-3620
Safelink Wireless 800-723-3546
Illinois Telephone Corporation 800-480-4198
Yourtel America 855-299-9990
Access Wireless 866-594-3644

Discounted Home Phone Services

Below is a list of home phone providers that participate in the Lifeline program in the state of Illinois.

Company Name Phone
Consolidated Communications 844-968-7224
Metamora Telephone Company 800-227-5161
Egyptian Telephone Cooperative Association 618-965-3481
AT&T 855-301-0355
Frontier Communications 800-921-8101
Data Net Systems 888-771-1010
Marseilles Telephone Company 800-227-5161
Glasford Telephone Company 309-389-2111
New Windsor Telephone Company 309-667-2712
Woodhull Community Telephone Company 309-334-2150
Cambridge Telephone Company 309-944-2103
Mid Century Telephone Cooperative 877-643-2368
Moultrie Independent Telephone Company 217-873-4636
Wabash Telephone Cooperative 800-228-9824
Gridley Telephone Company 309-747-2221
Leaf River Telephone Company 815-738-2211
Consolidated Communications of Illinois Company 844-968-7224
Harrisonville Telephone Company 888-482-8353
Madison Telephone Company 800-422-4848
Adams Telephone Cooperative 877-696-4611
Montrose Mutual Telephone Company 217-925-5242
Home Telephone Company 888-746-4482
Alhambra-Grantfork Telephone Company 618-488-2165
Cass Telephone Company 800-508-5405
Crossville Telephone Company 618-966-2196
Shawnee Telephone Company 800-461-3956
McDonough Telephone Cooperative 888-640-4334
Grafton Telephone Company 618-786-3311
Hamilton County Telephone Co-op 618-736-2211
CenturyLink 800-407-5411
Geneseo Telephone Company 309-944-2103

Discounted Internet Service

The new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides discounted internet to EBT Cardholders. The program provides households with a $30 discount on their internet service each month.

Plus, you could also get a one-time $100 discount on the purchase of an eligible laptop, desktop or tablet.

You can combine the $30 ACP internet credit with your Lifeline phone service to save even more on your phone and internet bill each month.

To find out how to apply, check out our article here.

Discounted Museums Admission

As an EBT cardholder in Illinois, you also get discounted or FREE access to museums and other great family-friendly places. We have compiled the list below for your convenience.

The Illinois Museums listed below all offer individual admission fees ranging from FREE to $3.00 to individuals and families who have an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and a valid form of photo ID.

The offer covers up to four individuals per EBT card, which means that if you have a family of 4, you can use your Illinois EBT card to get the special discounted rate or the free admission for all four members.

These rates are available during all normal operating hours. We advise that you call the museum first before you go – so that you can find out what their special rate is for EBT Cardholders (whether it’s free admission or $3).

Here is the list of participating Museums:

Children’s Discovery Museum

101 E Beaufort St. 

Normal, Illinois 61761

309-433-3444

Website

Directions

Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

5700 S Lake Shore Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60637

773-684-1414

Website

Directions

MSI offers free Museum Entry* to individuals and families—regardless of state residency—presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) card, along with a photo ID. Each cardholder is entitled to free Museum Entry* tickets for up to two adults and up to six children (under 18). Advance reservations are not available.

41 locations

Quad City Botanical Center
2525 4th Avenue
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
(309) 794-0991
Children’s Hands-On Museum of Northwest Illinois
1233 W. Galena Ave.
Freeport, Illinois 61032
(815) 238-4572
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
2715 S. Main St.
Rockford, Illinois 61102
(815) 965-8146
Peoria Riverfront Museum
222 SW Washington Street
Peoria, Illinois 61602
309-686-7000
Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
2218 North Prospect Road
Peoria, Illinois 61603
309-323-6900
Kidzeum of Health and Science
412 East Adams Street
Springfield, Illinois 62701
217-971-4435
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
212 N. Sixth Street
Springfield, Illinois 62701
(217)558-8844
SciTech Hands On Museum
18 West Benton Street
Aurora, Illinois 60506
630-859-3434
Children’s Discovery Museum
101 E Beaufort Street
Normal, Illinois 61761
309-433-3444
Aurora Regional Fire Museum
53 N. Broadway
Aurora, Illinois 60505
630-256-4140
McLean County Museum of History
200 North Main Street
Bloomington, Illinois 61701
(309) 827-0428
My Museum
500 N Benton
Palatine, Illinois 60067
(847) 202-8035
Edwardsville Children’s Museum
722 Holyoake Road
Edwardsville, Illinois 62025
(618) 692-2094
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, Illinois 60189
630-668-5161
DuPage Children’s Museum
301 N. Washington Street
Naperville, Illinois 60540
630-637-8000
Naper Settlement
523 Webster Street
Naperville, Illinois 60540
630-420-6776
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle, Illinois 60532
630-968-0074
Downers Grove Museum
831 Maple Avenue
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
630-963-1309
Kohl Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Boulevard
Glenview, Illinois 60026
847-832-6600
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, Illinois 60022
847-835-5440
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
9603 Woods Drive
Skokie, Illinois 60077
(847) 967-4800
Wonder Works Children’s Museum
6445 West North Avenue
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
708-383-4815
National Veterans Art Museum
4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60641
312-326-0270
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
3015 West Division Street
Chicago, Illinois 60622
773-486-8345
Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
5100 Museum Drive
Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453
708-423-6709
Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art
756 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60642
(312) 243-9088
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W. 19th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60608
312-738-1503
Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60614
773-755-5100
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60614
312-742-2000
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60614
312-642-4600
International Museum of Surgical Science
1524 N Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60610
(312) 642-6502
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312-280-2660
American Writers Museum
180 N. Michigan Avenue 2nd Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 374-8790
Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603
312-443-3600
Chicago Children’s Museum
700 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312-527-1000
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605
312-922-9410
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, Illinois 60605
312-939-2438
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605
312-922-7827
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 East 56th Place
Chicago, Illinois 60637
773-947-0600
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60637
773-684-1414
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
346 N. Neil Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
217-352-5895

Free Zoo and Aquarium Admission with Illinois EBT

Experience all that Illinois zoos, botanical, gardens, and aquariums have to offer – lush landscapes, and exotic land and sea creatures at discounted rates exclusively for Illinois EBT Cardholders.

Yes, you can get into select Illinois aquariums and zoos with your EBT Card.

In a groundbreaking initiative, the following Illinois zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums are opening their doors for EBT cardholders for FREE or at a deep discount.

Lincoln Park Zoo: A Free Wildlife Adventure

Imagine wandering among exotic animals without spending a penny!

That’s what you get at Lincoln Park Zoo, a family-friendly destination offering a free wildlife experience.

Plus, if you pick up a pass from CPL, you can enjoy a 10% discount on food and retail purchases throughout the park.

It’s not just a zoo, it’s an adventure that’s kind to your wallet!

Click here for EBT Admission Details.

Dive into the Deep at Shedd Aquarium – At No Cost!

For families with an EBT card or WIC benefits, Shedd Aquarium is a must-visit.

Dive into the underwater world for free and explore permanent exhibits, the mesmerizing Underwater Beauty special exhibit, and the touch-friendly Stingray Touch experience.

And for a little extra, enhance your visit with a 4D experience for just $4.95 per person.

Click here for EBT Admission Details.

Chicago Botanic Garden: A Floral Paradise with Discounted Parking

While entry to the Chicago Botanic Garden is always free, Illinois LINK cardholders get the added perk of reduced parking rates.

Military families also benefit from free parking, making this a perfect spot for a day surrounded by nature’s best.

Click here for EBT Admission Details.

The Morton Arboretum: Explore for Just $1

Stretching over 1,700 acres, The Morton Arboretum offers an affordable educational adventure.

Illinois LINK cardholders and up to 7 guests can explore for just $1 per person.

Don’t miss the award-winning children’s garden – a magical experience for the little ones!

Click here for EBT Admission Details.

Quad City Botanical Center: A Budget-Friendly Green Haven

For only $2 per person, LINK cardholders can explore the lush landscapes of the Quad City Botanical Center.

Pack a picnic (minus the breakable items and alcohol) and enjoy a day in the embrace of nature.

Click here for EBT Admission Details.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden: A Free Nature Retreat

Discover Winnebago County’s largest public garden without spending a dime.

With over 150 acres, including handicap-accessible paths, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a paradise for families and individuals with EBT or WIC benefits.

Click here for EBT Admission Details.

Illinois EBT Discounts Summary

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Be sure to check out our other articles about Illinois Food Stamps and EBT, including:

Kwame Kuadey

Kwame Kuadey writes about personal finance and the social safety net. His career started in banking but he caught the entrepreneurial bug and has spent the last decade building successful businesses, including an Inc. 500 Company. Kwame believes everyone has the power to improve their quality of life by seeking knowledge and taking action. In 2012, Kwame founded Empower Media to help low-income households improve their financial situation. His expertise is in topics relevant to low-income households, including government benefits and assistance, banking products, access to credit, plus tools & resources to help reduce income volatility and build wealth. Kwame has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Washington Post, ABC, and NPR.

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