


Ask the community...
This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with the same login issues right now and it's so reassuring to see that others have figured it out. I'm going to try the SAW account recovery route first since that seems to have worked for a few people here. Quick question though - when you go through the account recovery process, does it immediately unlock your account or do you have to wait? I'm hoping to get this sorted today if possible since I'm also worried about missing something time-sensitive.
From what I've seen in this thread, it seems like the account recovery process can work pretty quickly once you get through it! @Jade Lopez mentioned she was able to set up new security questions and get in the same morning after trying overnight. The tricky part seems to be if you can t'remember the info they ask for during recovery - that s'where some people had to call. I d'definitely try the SAW recovery first since multiple people here had success with that route. Good luck getting it sorted today!
I'm having the exact same issue! Got the email notification yesterday and have been trying to log in ever since with no luck. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - I had no idea about the SAW account potentially being locked separately from just resetting the ESD password. I'm definitely going to try going directly to the SecureAccess Washington site first like @Lilah Brooks suggested. It's so frustrating when you know there's something waiting for you but the system won't let you in! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions.
To answer your earlier question - yes, when I got through to ESD using Claimyr, the agent was super helpful about exactly what documentation I needed. They sent me a form called "Medical Statement" that my doctor filled out specifying what work I could still do despite my limitations. That form was way more helpful than just a doctor's note because it asked all the right questions ESD needed answers to. Definitely worth getting through to ask for that specific form!
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, and ESD initially denied me because they said I wasn't "able and available" for work. But like you, I can still do certain types of work - just not the physically demanding retail job I had to leave. I'm in the middle of my appeal process now and here's what I've learned so far: 1) Make sure your doctor's letter is VERY specific about what you CAN do, not just what you can't. Mine initially just said "cannot stand for long periods" but ESD needed more detail like "can work seated positions, can lift up to 10 pounds, can work full-time with accommodation" etc. 2) Start applying for desk jobs RIGHT NOW and keep records of your applications. You need to show ESD you're actively seeking work within your limitations. 3) Consider looking into vocational rehabilitation services too - they can help document that you're genuinely seeking work you can physically perform. The whole process is really stressful but don't give up! From what I've read in this thread, it sounds like appeals can be successful if you have the right documentation. Hang in there!
Thank you for sharing your experience! It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in dealing with this. The fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue combo sounds really challenging too. I really appreciate the tip about being specific in the doctor's letter - I was just going to ask for a note saying I can't stand, but you're right that I need to focus on what I CAN do. How long have you been waiting for your appeal decision? And have you found the job search part difficult with your conditions?
Stay strong and keep filing those weekly claims! The back pay will come eventually and hopefully your decision arrives soon. It's a broken system but don't let them wear you down.
I'm going through a similar situation right now - filed my appeal in September and had my hearing in October, still waiting for the decision. It's incredibly stressful when you're counting on that income to pay rent and utilities. One thing that's helped me stay sane is setting a specific day each week to check for updates rather than obsessively checking every day. Also seconding what others said about continuing to file weekly claims - I almost made that mistake too until someone on here warned me. Hang in there, it sounds like you have a strong case with the documentation you mentioned.
One more thing about Claimyr - if you do use their service to reach Washington ESD, make sure you have all your questions ready beforehand. The ESD agents are usually helpful once you actually get through to them, but the call can be limited in time.
I work in HR and see this situation fairly often. While refusing a drug test is generally considered refusing suitable work, there are some nuances that might help your case. If you have a medical marijuana card or are on prescription medications that would cause a positive result, you might have grounds for appeal. Also, some employers are willing to work with candidates who are honest about needing time to get clean - it's worth asking about delayed start dates in the future. The key is being truthful with ESD about what happened and why. They do investigate these cases individually, so don't assume you're automatically disqualified.
This is really helpful insight from the HR perspective. I don't have a medical marijuana card, but I am on some prescription medications for my anxiety that might show up. Would that be something worth mentioning if I get called for an adjudication hearing? And how would I go about proving that the medications are legitimate?
StarSeeker
Last tip - screenshot everything during your application process and keep records of all your communications with Washington ESD. If there are any issues later, you'll want that documentation for appeals or clarifications.
0 coins
Nia Harris
•Great advice. I'll definitely keep good records of everything.
0 coins
Nathaniel Mikhaylov
I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - got fired from my retail job for what they called "customer service issues" but I knew they were just cutting hours across the board. Filed my claim the very next day and I'm so glad I did. The whole process took about 5 weeks from filing to getting my first payment, but they backdated everything to my filing date so I didn't lose any money by applying immediately. My employer did contest it initially, but after the fact-finding interview where I explained my side of the story, Washington ESD ruled in my favor. Don't let being "fired" scare you - they really do look at whether it was actual misconduct or just performance/business reasons. The worst case is they deny you, but if you don't apply at all you're guaranteed to get nothing. Go file tonight!
0 coins