Update on current ESD login issues: There's an official notice on the ESD website now about intermittent login problems affecting some accounts. They're working on it, but no estimated fix date has been provided. In the meantime, if you absolutely can't get in and need to file your weekly claim, you can request a backdate for your weekly claim by calling and leaving a message explaining the technical issues prevented timely filing. Be sure to document all your attempts to log in (screenshots of error messages with dates/times) as evidence if needed later.

Success!! I just got back into my account! For anyone with similar problems, here's what worked: 1. Waited full 24 hours after lockout 2. Used Firefox instead of Chrome 3. Cleared ALL browser data 4. Logged into SAW first (secureaccess.wa.gov) 5. Typed password manually instead of autofill Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Now I can finally file my weekly claim!

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure to check how the benefit year is calculated! If your husband starts claiming right after the Boeing layoff but then gets sporadic substitute work, his benefit year doesn't get extended. It's one year from first claim regardless of how many weeks he actually collects. So if teaching jobs typically hire in fall, he might want to time it carefully so he doesn't run out of eligible weeks before the next hiring cycle.

One more tip from my Boeing experience - make sure your husband files his initial claim immediately after his last day (like literally the next day if possible). Even though the severance will continue, the claim itself needs to be tied to the actual separation date from Boeing. Also, Boeing's layoff paperwork should include a clear separation letter that specifies it was a layoff due to lack of work (not performance). Make sure he has this document ready when filing as ESD might request it. When he starts substitute teaching, he'll need to report not just earnings but also hours worked each week. It gets complicated because substitute teaching days aren't all equal in hours, so keep detailed records. Lastly, severance payment schedules can sometimes cause confusion with ESD's systems. If he gets any notifications questioning his eligibility during weeks he receives severance, don't panic - just respond promptly with documentation showing it's severance pay, not wages for current work.

Be honest on your weekly claim but don't volunteer extra info. When it asks if you refused work, say yes, and briefly explain "Offered position at 50% of previous salary, insufficient to cover basic living expenses." Keep it simple. If they want more details, they'll ask. I've been through the system 3 times in my career and the key is straightforward answers without oversharing.

Does anyone know if the company HAS to report job refusals to ESD or is it optional? And how would they even know you're collecting unemployment anyway?

To clarify something that might be confusing you: When ESD says they "sent a message," they often mean through the employer's online portal in eServices, not via email or physical mail. Many employers (especially larger companies) have dedicated staff who handle unemployment claims through this system. Your direct manager might not be aware of these communications. It might be worth contacting your former employer's HR department specifically, not just your old manager, to see if they've received anything from ESD. Sometimes these requests go to a centralized department or even a third-party company that handles unemployment claims for the employer.

u should call esd again and ask 4 a tier 3 agent!! they have more powers to c whats happening with ur claim! the regular agents just read the notes on the screen but tier 3 can actually DO stuff!!

my roomate had this happen and got paid after 1 week so maybe ull be lucky. keep filing your weeklys tho!!!

Does anyone know if this affects standby status? I'm on standby with my employer and worried this could mess that up too if I had to change my bank account.

just to add, make sure ur doing job searches while waiting for standby approval!! i didnt and got disquakified for a week. even if ur 100% getting standby you still have to do the 3 activities per week until its officially approved on your claim.

One more thing I should mention - when you reapply for standby, you'll need to provide a specific return-to-work date. Don't just say "4 weeks" or "a month" - ESD wants the exact date. Also, keep checking your eServices account daily as sometimes they'll send questions through the message center that require quick responses.

My cousin works at ESD (dont worry I never ask her to look at my stuff lol) but she says they are SUPER understaffed right now bc of budget cuts, especially in the claims dept. Thats why nobody answers the phone. Doesnt help u now but explains why its so hard to get thru

Update: I finally got through to someone at ESD! Used the Claimyr service that someone suggested and got connected to an agent in about 45 mins. The issue was that I didn't include contact information for two of my job applications (needed the company phone number or website URL in addition to the name). The agent was able to update my claim while on the phone and remove the flag. My payment should be processed in 48 hours! For anyone else with this issue - make sure you list EVERY detail for your job search activities, even things that seem obvious. And if you need to actually talk to ESD, using Claimyr was definitely worth it after wasting days trying to call on my own.

One last thing - make sure he checks his ESD portal regularly during the standby period. Sometimes they'll post messages there requesting additional information without sending an email notification. It's a common reason people miss important communications, especially during short layoffs.

oh and tell him not 2 forget to file for the second week even if hes back at work by then!! u still claim for partial weeks if he goes back before the week ends

my cousin did SEAP and her appeal took like 2 months but they backdated everything when she got approved so she got a big payment all at once. keep all ur receipts for the class!!

One thing to remember is that the SEAP program in Washington is highly competitive with limited spots. For 2025, they significantly reduced the number of available slots, which might be affecting processing times. While waiting for your appeal decision, make sure you: 1. Continue to meet with your SEAP counselor if you've been assigned one 2. Document any business startup costs you're incurring 3. Keep detailed notes from your business course 4. Check your eServices messages daily for any requests If approved, ESD should backdate the training benefits to when you first qualified. However, be aware that not all course costs may be covered - SEAP primarily provides income support while you're in training rather than paying for the training itself. If it's been more than 6 weeks, I'd recommend escalating through these channels in this order: 1. Appeals Office (360-570-5970) 2. ESD Commissioner's Office (360-902-9303) 3. Your state legislator's constituent services

Don't forget while you're waiting you should be applying for other assistance if you need it. Food banks, energy assistance, rental assistance etc. No shame in using resources that are there to help during these situations. We had to use food banks during my adjudication period and it made a huge difference.

You're right, and thank you for the reminder. I think we do need to look into some temporary assistance while this gets sorted out.