ESD SecureAccess login issues - can't submit PFML weekly claim

omg same!!!! been trying since tuesday. thought it was just my internet but guess not lol

PFML and Unemployment use the SAME SecureAccess but they're DIFFERENT systems once you log in!!! ESD's whole website is a MESS and they expect us to figure it out. I couldn't get into my account for TWO WEEKS last month. Kept getting bumped back to the login page over and over. Try clearing your cache and cookies - that worked for me eventually. Their tech support is USELESS!!!

There's actually a scheduled maintenance period happening for the PFML system this week. It was posted on their Twitter account but not very prominently on the website. According to their post, the system will be back up tomorrow morning at 8am. However, don't worry about missing your weekly claim - when this has happened before, they've extended the filing deadline by the number of days the system was down. If you're really concerned, you can try calling the PFML customer care team directly at 833-717-2273. They should be able to advise you about your specific situation and confirm the deadline extension.

I had this same issue last month trying to certify my PFML claim. The SecureAccess Washington (SAW) system can be incredibly frustrating when there are technical issues. When I couldn't get through on the phone either, I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and was connected to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. They helped me sort out my login issues and manually processed my claim. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - definitely worth checking out if you continue having problems after the maintenance period.

I just wanted to mention something important - PFML (Paid Family and Medical Leave) and UI (Unemployment Insurance) are different programs administered by ESD. You mentioned ESD and PFML in your post, which isn't technically wrong since ESD oversees PFML, but it's a separate department with its own contact procedures. For PFML specific issues: 1. Call 833-717-2273 (their dedicated line) 2. Email paidleave@esd.wa.gov 3. Use the contact form on paidleave.wa.gov For login issues specifically, you sometimes need to contact the SAW helpdesk instead at 855-682-0785. Hope this helps clarify who to contact. Getting through to the right department the first time saves a lot of headaches!

just checked twitter and they extended the maintenance until 5pm tomorrow FYI

I work in IT (not for ESD) and wanted to add that sometimes these login issues can be browser-related. If you're using Chrome, try Firefox or Edge instead. Also, I've noticed ESD systems sometimes have issues with password managers and autofill. Try typing your password manually instead of letting it autofill. These little tricks have helped me get in when the system was being finicky.

Update: I just checked the PFML Twitter account, and they've officially announced that weekly claim filing deadlines will be extended by 3 days to accommodate the extended maintenance window. So you won't lose your benefits for this week. They also mentioned they're adding extra call center staff next week to handle the backlog of questions.