AWARDS is accessed via an Internet browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.).
Logging In
To log into AWARDS, complete the following steps:
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Open an Internet browser such as Edge, Firefox, or Chrome. (Click here for information on which browsers are supported for use with AWARDS.)
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Enter your organization's AWARDS URL into the browser, and press <Enter>. The AWARDS Login page is displayed.
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Type your AWARDS username and password.
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Click Log In or press <Enter>. The AWARDS Home screen is now displayed.
NOTE: If your AWARDS database has been set up to use two-factor authentication, you will be asked to provide an authentication code after you click Log In and before the Home screen is displayed. For detailed instructions on enrolling in two-factor authentication and its use, please see our Two-Factor Authentication User's Guide.
Enhanced Authentication
Soon, the Enhanced Authentication functionality will be released into AWARDS. This will replace the existing AWARDS login functionality with a more advanced login process, equipped with additional authentication and security features. You can learn more here.
Re-Authenticating a Login
At times while using AWARDS, it may be necessary for you to "re-authenticate," meaning to sign on to the application again. This occurs if you are inactive for more than a set number of minutes.
For more information on the time-out limits that determine when re-authentication is required, click here.
During the re-authentication process, you are required to re-enter your username and password. Once that has been done, you will be returned to the page you had been working on previously.
Logging Out
To log out of AWARDS and exit the application, click your name/avatar on the top right of the navigation bar, and then click Log Out. Close your browser to complete the process, and that's it!
WARNING! You must log out in order to end the AWARDS database session. If this is not done, others may access AWARDS from your computer without entering a password, and your agency's user limit may be exceeded.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can AWARDS be used with mobile devices like tablets and smartphones?
AWARDS is optimized for desktop and laptop computers with internet access and an up-to-date version of select Web browsers; however, it can also be used with internet-connected mobile devices like tablets (for example iPads) or smartphones. Many users successfully access and work with their AWARDS databases via such mobile devices, though it is important to keep in mind that AWARDS is not currently mobile-optimized so your experience may vary.
For information about supported browsers, click here.
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Is it ok to have multiple browser windows / tabs of AWARDS open at once?
Yes, you can have multiple windows/tabs open within the SAME browser; however, if you also log into AWARDS in a second browser, your session in the first browser will be terminated. The message "you have been logged out due to inactivity" will be displayed on the login screen the next time you try to take an action in that first browser.
- Is it ok to have my browser's auto-complete feature remember my AWARDS password?
No! In order to keep all AWARDS data secure, you should NEVER have your browser remember your AWARDS password, nor should you utilize your browser's auto complete feature for forms. To turn those features off, please consult the help system for your particular browser.
- What do I do if I receive an "Authentication Failed" error when I try to log in to AWARDS?
Any time you are unable to login to the AWARDS database, we recommend that you do the following:
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Verify that you are using the correct AWARDS address (URL).
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Verify that you have entered the correct username and password. If you are unsure what your username is, or if you need your password reset, please use the forgot username or password links on the AWARDS login page.
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Verify that you do not have caps lock on - passwords are case-sensitive.
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Try logging in from another PC to rule out computer-related problems. If you can login from one PC but not another, compare the browser settings between the two and make adjustments accordingly.
- When I time out while entering data then log in again, my data is gone. How do I prevent that?
AWARDS is a web-based application. As a result, no data is actually stored on your computer's hard drive. Instead, when the application is loaded AWARDS uses your Internet browser to store the page in memory, and that data is cleared when you later close your browser. Browser memory allocation is dependent on many factors including, but not limited to, how many other tabs or windows are open, what kind of content is displayed on the page, and how much physical memory is available to the browser. To mitigate data loss after a time out, we recommend using an up-to-date browser, and leaving an appropriate amount of system resources for the browser's use. Regularly cleaning out your browser's cache (within the browser's history information) may also reduce the likelihood of this issue.
- When I try to log into AWARDS, I am immediately logged out. Why?
Be sure that you have not disabled Cookies in your browser. Cookies are necessary for AWARDS security purposes, so that the system can determine when a user's time out value is reached, among other functions.
- When I try to login I get the error "Your AWARDS access has been blocked." What does that mean?
This error is an indication that an AWARDS administrator or another user with the proper authority has blocked your ability to access AWARDS. For more information please reach out to your supervisor or AWARDS administrator for assistance.
- Why do I get a blank page when I try to login to AWARDS using Safari?
If you are using Apple's Safari browser to access to AWARDS, be sure that you do not use "Private Browsing" mode. If you receive a blank page immediately after logging in using Safari, it is typically an indication that this option is in use and should be turned off. For more information on turning off Private Browsing in Safari, click here.
- Why do I receive an invalid email address error when I use forgot username or password on the login page?
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 though to limit which of those two email addresses can be used for forgot username/password message purposes. So, for example, if you have recorded only a personal email address while your agency limits you to use of your work email address for forgot username/password, you will receive an invalid email address error even if you have typed in an otherwise correct address.