State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Release 26-01 February 21, 2026

4.12 Using ACCESS to Set a Filing Date

The best way to enroll for benefits is to complete the application using ACCESS. If the applicant is unable to do so, they can set their filing date and complete the application later with their agency.

While the applicant can submit the application at any time, they should try to complete as much of it as possible before submitting. 

Use the following instructions to set a filing date.

Step 1: Start the application

See Section 4.2 Start an Application

Step 2: Complete applicant information

See Section 4.4 Applicant Information

Step 3: Select finish and submit

The A few questions about you page displays if the applicant opens the Finish and Submit section before completing the other sections. It gathers the minimum amount of information required to submit an application and the applicant is not asked to repeat information. To see an example of the page and questions, see section 4.11 Finish and Submit, Step 1: Confirm the application includes all information. 

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Notice: The content within this guide is the responsibility of the State of Wisconsin's Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

Publication Number: P-16101