I'm experiencing this exact same issue! Been stuck in the login loop for two days now. I tried clearing my cache and disabling adblocker like some of you suggested, but still no luck. The weird thing is I can log into SAW perfectly fine, but as soon as it redirects to the ESD site, it just bounces me back to the login page. This is my first time dealing with this problem - is this something that happens regularly with their system? I'm supposed to file my weekly claim by tomorrow and I'm starting to panic. Going to try the incognito mode suggestion next, and if that doesn't work, maybe I'll attempt the phone filing option. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least I know I'm not going crazy!

Just wanted to update everyone - I was having this same login loop issue for the past week and finally got it resolved! After trying all the browser fixes mentioned here (clearing cache, disabling extensions, different browsers), what worked for me was actually a combination of things: I used Firefox in private browsing mode AND made sure to go directly to secure.esd.wa.gov/home/ instead of the regular esd.wa.gov site. Apparently there can be redirect issues between the different URLs that cause the authentication loop. Also want to echo what Miguel said about the phone filing option - I used 800-318-6022 twice while dealing with this issue and it saved me from missing my weekly claim deadlines. The automated system is clunky but it works. Hope this helps someone else who's stuck in the same frustrating situation!

I just remembered something else about my experience... Even though the waiting week is unpaid, I think they still counted my waiting week toward my total benefit year. So if you're approved for 26 weeks of benefits, the waiting week counts as week 1 of those 26, even though you don't get paid for it. At least that's how it worked for me last winter when I was on unemployment. Not sure if that's changed.

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who recently went through this process - I was in almost the exact same situation as you! Filed on a Saturday after my last day of work on Friday, and that first week I certified for was indeed my unpaid waiting week. One thing that helped me budget was knowing that while you don't get paid for the waiting week, if you continue to qualify for benefits, your second weekly certification should result in payment (assuming no other issues with your claim). So you're looking at roughly 2-3 weeks from when you file until you see your first payment. Also, make sure you keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one - even during the waiting week. ESD can audit your job searches at any time, and having good documentation saved me when they requested verification of my activities a few weeks into my claim. Good luck with everything, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions!

Update: I just checked the ESD website and they've posted that they're experiencing higher than normal processing times due to a significant increase in new claims this winter. They're saying initial eligibility determinations are currently taking 4-7 weeks on average. So your timeline isn't unusual right now.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed in early December and still pending with that same frustrating message. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - I had no idea about answering unknown calls or that multiple employers could cause delays. I worked three different jobs last year so that probably explains it. Going to try calling first thing Monday morning and maybe look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned. It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this limbo!

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what worked for me! I contacted both my state senator and representatives through their websites yesterday. My senator's office already called me back this morning and had me fill out a release form. They said they have a dedicated staff person who handles ESD issues and will submit my case to their ESD liaison today. I'll post again when I hear more. Thanks for all the advice - feeling hopeful for the first time in weeks!

That's awesome that your senator's office responded so quickly! I've been reading through all these responses and it sounds like the state representatives really are the way to go. I'm going to follow your lead and contact both my rep and senator today. For anyone else reading this - it seems like the key is being super detailed about your situation and including all your claim info. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this finally breaks through the ESD wall. Please keep us updated on how it goes!

Just to clarify some information here - ESD's official policy is that all issues must be resolved before payment can be released. However, they sometimes do partial approvals in certain circumstances. If your claim involves multiple employers but you have enough qualifying hours/wages from just the approved employers to establish a valid claim, they might release payment for those while continuing to investigate the other employer. This is not guaranteed though, and depends on your specific situation and the claims examiner handling your case. If you're facing financial hardship, make sure to mention this in any communication with ESD - there are sometimes options to expedite claims based on hardship.

Update on your situation? I'm curious if you've had any progress. Did you try contacting them?