Prerequisites
- Internet access on a supported browser (most recent versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
- Your agency's unique AWARDS database URL
- AWARDS Username
- Password
Logging In
- Enter your organization's unique AWARDS URL into your browser.
- Enter your username and password and you will be taken to the AWARDS Home screen.
- Note: Your organization will provide you with your AWARDS username and password.
If your organization's database has been set up to use two-factor authentication, you will be asked to provide an authentication code after you click the Log In button. For instructions on enrolling in and using two factor authentication, please see our Two Factor Authentication User's Guide.
Reauthenticating a Login
If you are inactive for more than a set number of minutes, you will be required to log back into AWARDS. Once you reauthenticate, you will be automatically returned to the page you were last working on. Your agency sets the duration for inactivity requiring reauthentication. This is set up here: Administration > System Setup > Business Rules > Set the Timeout Value.
Logging Out
- Click your name/avatar on the top right of the navigation bar, and then click Log Out.
- Note: You MUST log out in order to end the AWARDS session. If this is not done, others may access AWARDS from your computer without entering a password.
Image: Log out button
FAQs
Q. Can AWARDS be used with mobile devices like tablets and smartphones?
A. Yes. AWARDS works on desktops, tablets, and smartphones! Keep in mind that using AWARDS on a desktop allows you to more easily utilize some features and functionality.
Q. Is it okay to have multiple browser windows/tabs open at once?
A. Yes. You can have multiple windows/tabs open at once. However, if you log into AWARDS in a second browser, your session in the first browser will log out. The message "You have been logged out due to inactivity" will be displayed on the login screen in that first browser.
Q. Is it okay to have my browser's auto-complete feature remember my AWARDS password?
A. No, in order to keep all AWARDS data secure, you should never have your browser remember your AWARDS password, no should you use your browser's auto-complete feature for forms. To turn those off, please consult the help system for your particular browser.
Q. What do I do if I receive an "Authentication Failed" error when I try to log into AWARDS?
A. Any time you are unable to log into AWARDS, we recommend you do the following:
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Verify that you are using the correct AWARDS URL
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Verify that you have entered the correct username and password
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Verify that you do not have Caps Lock on
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Try logging in from another PC to rule out computer-related problems. If you can log in from one PC but not another, compare the browser settings between the two and adjust accordingly.
Q. When I try to log into AWARDS, I am immediately logged out. Why?
A. Be sure you have not disabled Cookies on your browser. Cookies are necessary for AWARDS security purposes so the system can determine when a user's time out value is reached, among other functions.
When I try to log in, I get the error "Your AWARDS access has been blocked." What does that mean?
This error is an indication that an AWARDS Administrator or other user with the authority has blocked your ability to access AWARDS. For more information, please reach out to your supervisor or AWARDS Administrator for assistance.
Q. Why do I get a blank page when I try to log in using Safari?
A. If you are using Apple's Safari browser to access AWARDS, be sure that you do not use "Private Browsing" mode. Doing so will show a blank page when logging in.
Q. Why do I receive an invalid email address error when I use the "Forgot Username or Password" feature on the login page?
A. If you are an agency employee (as opposed to a consumer with a login) you have the ability to record two email addresses for yourself in AWARDS - personal and work. Your agency also has the ability to limit which of the two email addresses can be used for the Forgot Username and Password functionality. For example, if you have recorded only a personal email address but your agency limits you to use your work email address for the Forgot Username and Password functionality, you will receive an invalid email address error even if you have typed your email address correctly.