Steps to create a Client Benefit Account (CBA)

 


Why Create an Account?

You can complete an application without creating an account. However, are you a Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) client? Consider going an extra step to create a Washington Connection account. Tap into several features when you have time.

No Account Needed (best for one-time or short-term use) 

  • Fill out an Application, Eligibility Review, or Change of Circumstances
  • Save an incomplete form with a temporary password

Need At Least a Washington Connection-Linked SAW Account (convenient to log in to view or continue documents)

  • View a PDF of online forms started or submitted for 90 days

Need a Washington Connection SAW User ID and Client Benefit Account (CBA) (best access for public benefits programs) 

  • See current benefit amounts(s) and the next month's anticipated benefits(s)   
  • Review the past (4) months of Benefit History
  • Fill out a Mid-Certification Review
  • Check status of documents finished by DSHS in the past 60 days
  • See a summary of the household members on file and whether they are receiving benefits
  • View important dates related to benefits
  • Print Benefit Verification letters
  • Find your benefit contacts
  • Other helpful links
  • Here you will find the CBA brochure


Who Can Create an Account?

SAW (SecureAccess Washington) Accounts:

  • Washington state residents can create a single SAW log-In. This lets you access services at several state agencies. These include DSHS, Labor & Industries, and the Department of Licensing.
  • You can link your SAW account to review your Washington Connection Summary page.
  • Already have a SAW User ID? Log in with it to avoid creating a second User ID. Then follow the steps below to link with Washington Connection.

 Client Benefit Accounts:

To open a Client Benefit Account, you must:

  • Have a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) User ID.
  • Have a DSHS Client ID.
  • Be listed as the head of household (HOH) or adult recipient for an active, pending, suspended cash or food benefit. You may also be listed as the head of household or adult recipient for a closed or denied DSHS program within the last 60 days.
  • Complete the registration page with the same information on file with DSHS.

Conditions that prevent you from registering for a Client Benefit Account are:

  • Your benefits 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 Apple Health medical benefits only.

You can follow the written steps below to create one or both account levels. You also can follow along with this video tutorial.


Steps to Create or Link a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) Account

This will link a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account with your Washington Connection Summary page.

You need:

  • Internet access
  • An email account

Create a New Account:

  1. Open the Create a New User Account page.
  2. Complete the form with your:
  • First name
  • Last name
  • Email address
  • Phone number that can receive texts. This helps verify your identify when you next log in.
  • New User ID you want to use
  • Password only you know

      3. Select the Next button.

      4. Activate your account in one of two ways. For both, you need the activation email sent to the address you provided. Check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see it. Send us a message through Contact Us if you cannot find the email confirmation.

– ONE WAY –

  • Open the activation email.
  • Click the link in Step 2 in the email to activate your User ID.
  • Click the Login link and log in on the New User Account – Confirmation web page.

– ANOTHER WAY –

  • Go to the top of the website and select the Create Account Choose the Activate Your Account button.
  • Enter your User ID and Confirmation Code sent to your email.
  • Click the Next
  • Click the Login
  • Enter your User ID, Password and click Submit.

Link an Existing SecureAccess Washington (SAW) Account

  1. Select Access Your Account from the Login drop down menu.
  2. Log in with your SAW User ID and password on the Login Click Submit.
  3. The Register with my SAW Account Your SAW Account ID is already filled in.
  4. Enter your first name, last name, email address, and the captcha. Click the Next
  5. Click Login on the SAW User Registration Complete web page.
  6. You will receive an email confirmation saying you are registered with Washington Connection.


Steps to Register for a Client Benefit Account (CBA)

  1. Select Access Your Account on the Login drop down menu at the top of the page. Login with your SAW User ID and password.
  2. You will be prompted to complete a multi-factor authentication (MFA) step. This confirms your identity. Choose to receive a code at either your email address or mobile number. The system will take you to the Summary page when this is done.
  3. Click the Access Client Benefit Account Information link on the Summary
  4. Complete all the fields on the registration form. Use the exact information DSHS has on file.
  5. Click the Next
  6. Check your email for the information on the next step to activate your Client Benefit Account (CBA).

Here you will find the CBA brochure

Activate Your Client Benefit Account (CBA)

You will need the activation email sent to the email address you provided. Check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see the email.

  1. Select Access Your Account from the Login drop down menu at the top of the website. Log in with the SAW User ID used to register for your CBA.
  2. Select Access Client Benefit Account Information on the Summary
  3. Use the activation code provided in the email. Also use your DSHS Client ID.
  4. Click the Next
  5. You will receive the Account Activation message on Washington Connection. Click the Log out link at the top right corner.


How to Access Your Client Benefit Account (CBA)

  1. Click the Access Your Account button on the Login drop down menu at the top of the website.
  2. Enter your user ID and password.
  3. Click Submit.
  4. Click the My CBA button on the My Account drop down menu from your signed in home page.
  5. Read the Client Benefit Account Notice. Click Accept to view basic details about your case.


Technical Help

User IDs:

  • Must be between 4 and 32 characters long
  • May have letters (a-z, A-Z) and numbers (0-9)
  • May have any of the following special characters: . - _ @
  • Should not contain any part of your name

Password Must:

  • Have ten or more characters
  • Include at least 1 Lower or Upper case letter
  • Include at least 1 number
  • Include at least 1 special character such as @ # $
  • Not include a blank space

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 or adult recipient for any active or pending DSHS programs. Or you’re head of household or adult recipient for a DSHS program that was closed or denied within the last 60 days.
  • You are in the Address Confidentiality Program.
  • You are only receiving Apple Health medical benefits.

Forgotten User ID or Password

You can request your User ID(s) or a temporary password. Select Access Your Account from the Login tab at the top of the website. Then select the Reset my Password or Forgot my User ID. Follow the directions.

Technical Support


Unable to register for a Client Benefit Account (CBA)? You can try creating a MyWABenefits account.

Requirements to create a MyWABenefits account:

  1. Use your existing SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account or create a new one.
  2. You can be matched in a DSHS eligibility system with your DSHS Client ID, Social Security Number, or a combination of other elements.
  3. You are the head of household (primary applicant), their spouse (must be on the same program), or a non-household member authorized to act on behalf of a client.