Can't get past ESD login screen - multiple IDs and phone support keeps hanging up
I'm at my wits end trying to file an unemployment claim with ESD. Been trying for TWO DAYS straight. I can't remember my login from when I filed back in 2022, so I requested my user ID through their system. They sent me back THREE different login IDs! How am I supposed to know which one to use?! For each one, I tried the 'forgot password' option, but keep getting error messages. So I tried calling their tech support line. It took me 5 attempts just to get into the hold queue. After waiting 1.5 hours, I finally got a callback, answered immediately, and guess what? NOBODY WAS THERE. The line just went dead after a few seconds. I've called back 35+ times today (literally counting at this point) and keep getting the automated message that 'all lines are busy.' I have bills due next week and desperately need to get this claim started. Is there ANY other way to reach an actual human being at ESD? Or am I just supposed to waste my entire week redialing until my finger falls off? This is beyond frustrating!
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Mei Chen
I went through almost this exact situation last month! It's incredibly frustrating, but I did eventually figure out how to get past the login issues. For the multiple IDs, try checking your email history from when you originally filed - sometimes there's an old email that mentions which SAW account you used. That's how I figured out which of my 3 IDs was the right one. As for contacting ESD, unfortunately their phone system is completely overwhelmed. The trick is to call RIGHT when they open at 8:00 AM - not 8:01, not 8:05, exactly 8:00. I set an alarm and had my phone ready to dial at 7:59. That's the only way I got through.
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Jamal Edwards
•Thanks for the tip about searching my emails! I'll try that tonight. And I'll definitely try the 8:00 AM sharp call tomorrow. Did you use the regular ESD number or is there a special tech support line I should be calling for login issues?
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Liam O'Sullivan
OMG same issue!!! Been trying to login for a week. Called like 20x each day. This system is GARBAGE. Why do they make this so complicated??!! I swear they do it on purpose to make people give up. 😡
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Jamal Edwards
•It really does feel that way sometimes! Did you ever get through? I'm starting to wonder if I should just create a whole new account, but I'm afraid that would mess things up even worse.
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Amara Okonkwo
For the login issues: try each ID one at a time with the password reset option. With the correct ID, the system will send a reset link to the email associated with that account. The others may generate errors, which actually helps you identify the right one. For the phone problems: I recommend using Claimyr to reach ESD. It's a service that essentially waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site claimyr.com has a video demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) showing how it works. Much better than redialing 35+ times and getting hung up on!
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Jamal Edwards
•Thank you for the login troubleshooting idea - that makes sense! And I've never heard of Claimyr before. Just watched the video - seems like exactly what I need right now. Literally anything is better than this redial nightmare I'm stuck in. I'll check it out!
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Giovanni Marino
Have you tried using a different browser? The ESD website has serious compatibility issues with certain browsers. I couldn't get past the login page using Chrome, but when I switched to Firefox everything worked fine. Also, clear your cookies and cache before trying again. The SAW (SecureAccess Washington) system can get stuck in weird loops sometimes.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
•THIS!! The browser thing is so true. ESD site works terribly on Safari too. Edge seemed to work best for me. Weird tech issue but worth trying!!
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Dylan Hughes
I work with people trying to access benefits all the time, and unfortunately this is a common problem. The ESD login system connects through SecureAccess Washington (SAW), which manages logins for multiple state systems, hence the multiple IDs. Here's what I suggest: 1. For login issues: Contact the SAW help desk directly at (855) 682-0785 - they're often easier to reach than ESD and can help with the login portion. 2. Try early morning calls (7-8am) or late afternoon (4-4:30pm) when call volumes are typically lower. 3. If you're still stuck, visit a local WorkSource office in person. They can often help you access your account without the phone runaround. Hope this helps!
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Jamal Edwards
•I had no idea there was a separate SAW help desk number! That's incredibly helpful - I'll try them tomorrow. And the WorkSource idea is brilliant. There's one about 20 minutes from me that I could visit if all else fails. Thank you so much for these specific suggestions!
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NightOwl42
theres another trick i learned. when u get the "all lines are busy" message, dont hang up right away. wait about 30 seconds sometimes it will actually put u in the queue anyway. worked for me twice now. the system is weird like that lol
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Liam O'Sullivan
•I'm gonna try this tomorrow!! Will literally try ANYTHING at this point 😩
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Jamal Edwards
UPDATE: I got in!!! Combination of several suggestions here worked. I searched my old emails and found which SAW ID was the right one. Then I used the separate SAW help desk number that someone suggested, and got through after only 20 minutes on hold. They reset my password and verified my account. The agent also gave me a direct number to the ESD technical support team (not the main claims line) which I'm happy to share: (360) 507-9195. Thanks everyone for your help! Now I can finally start my claim process.
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