Steps to create a Client Benefit Account (CBA)

Why should I create a Client Benefit Account (CBA)?

The CBA provides you with the following information about your public assistance benefits:

  • Current benefit amounts(s) and the next month's anticipated benefits(s).
  • Benefit history information about your case.
  • A summary of the household members on file.
  • Status of the documents you have submitted within the last 30 days.
  • Contact information for the office that your case record is currently assigned to.
  • The date benefits are scheduled to end.
  • Access to the online Mid-Certification Review and Eligibility Renewal.
  • Link to ProviderOne and medical providers.
  • Link to Fidelity Information Services (FIS) where you can request a new card or PIN and monitor EBT card balance.

What are the requirements to register for a Client Benefit Account (CBA)?

  • Have a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. Click here for steps on creating a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account.
  • Have a DSHS Client ID.
  • Be listed as the head of household for an active, pending, suspended or pending spenddown DSHS program or listed as the head of household for a closed or denied DSHS program within the last 60 days.
  • Have a Social Security Number that has been federally verified by a system cross match.
  • Complete the registration page with the same information that is on file with your local office.

What conditions prevent me from registering for a Client Benefit Account (CBA)?

  • You are not the head of household for an active, pending, suspended or pending spenddown assistance unit.
  • The benefits you were the head of household on have been closed or denied for more than 60 days.
  • You are the head of household for a Foster Care Assistance Unit (AU).
  • You are enrolled in the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP).
  • You are active on Child Care benefits only.

How do I create a Client Benefit Account on the Washington Connection website?

To create a Client Benefit Account, take the following steps:

1.   First log into your Washington Connection SAW account from the Login tab.

2.   Once logged in, select the My Account tab at the top of the page.

3.   In the account drop-down, select the My CBA button.

  • The first time you access this button, a registration page displays.

4.   On the Client Benefit Account Registration page, enter the following information:

  • First name
  • Last name
  • Date of Birth
  • Gender
  • Social Security Number
  • Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Client ID
  • Residential ZIP Code

Note:  All information must match exactly with the information on file with your local Community Service Office (CSO) or Home and Community Service Office (HCS). Any recent letter addressed to you from the Department of Social and Health Services contains your DSHS Client ID, Name and the ZIP code currently on file.

5.    Select the Next button.

6.    An email will be sent to the email address you have listed in your Washington Connection SAW account.

7.    Open the email and make note of the Activation Code in the email.

8.    Return to the site and select the My CBA button in the My Account tab.

9.    On the Client Benefit Account Activation page, enter the following information:

  • Activation Code
  • DSHS Client ID
  • Select the your correct residential ZIP Code from the list of 5 possibilities

10.   Select the Next button.

11.   You must log out of your Washington Connection SAW account and then log back in.

12.   Your Client Benefit Account is now activated.  You can now see your Client Benefit Account information by selecting the My CBA button from the My Account tab.

Why am I receiving an error message?

You may be receiving an error message because:

  • You did not complete all fields.
  • Information you provided does not match our records.
  • You already have an active Client Benefit Account.
  • You do not have a DSHS Client ID.
  • You are not listed as the head of household for any active or pending DSHS programs, or listed as the head of household for a DSHS program that was closed or denied within the last 60 days.
  • You are in the Address Confidentiality Program.
  • You do not have a federally verified Social Security Number.

For more information about creating a Client Benefit Account, please refer to our Frequently Asked Question (FAQs).

You may also use the Contact Us link for technical support services.