ESD account keeps auto-logging out of SAW - tried everything!

same thing happened to me last week!! so frustrating!! i think its a problem with their new update or something. try logging in really early in the morning like 5am thats when i finally got in

This is a known issue with SAW that happens when there's a conflict between your browser's cached data and the ESD system. Here's what worked for me and several others I've helped: 1. Clear your browser cache and cookies (which you've done) 2. Important: Disable any browser extensions/add-ons temporarily 3. Try using incognito/private browsing mode 4. Make sure your browser is fully updated 5. Check if your account is locked - sometimes the system doesn't display this message properly Also, there's a specific timeout issue where if you've attempted multiple logins, the system silently puts a 24-hour hold on access attempts. Wait a full day without trying to log in, then try the steps above.

THEIR WHOLE SYSTEM IS GARBAGE BY DESIGN!!!! I am 10000% convinced they do this ON PURPOSE to make people give up claiming benefits they EARNED and are ENTITLED TO!!! Had the EXACT same problem 2 months ago and missed TWO WEEKS of payments because of it. Called 47 TIMES before someone picked up the phone. When I finally got through they said "oh we see the problem on our end" and fixed it in 2 minutes. TWO MINUTES!!!! After I wasted HOURS trying to fix it myself. This state's unemployment system is BROKEN and they don't care about fixing it!!!

Have you tried accessing the site from a completely different network? Sometimes ISPs can cause weird issues with government websites. I was having a similar problem and went to my local library to use their WiFi and it worked immediately. Something about IP addresses getting flagged or something technical like that. Also, make sure your system date/time is correct - that can sometimes cause login issues with secure sites.

I work in IT and see this SAW issue frequently. One additional thing to try: check if you have any VPN software running - even if it's not currently connected, some VPN software can interfere with government website authentication. Also, I've helped several people with this exact problem get through to ESD using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that helps you bypass the phone queue and actually reach an ESD agent who can fix account issues like this on their end. Check out their demo video if you're interested: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Most account lockout issues require an agent to manually reset something on their end, so getting through on the phone is unfortunately your best bet.

Just wanted to mention that sometimes the SAW system gets confused if you're trying to access multiple WA state services with the same account. I had this problem when I was trying to handle both unemployment and my vehicle registration renewal. What worked for me was going directly to the main SAW page (https://secureaccess.wa.gov) instead of trying to log in through the ESD unemployment portal. Log in there first, then navigate to the ESD services after you're already authenticated. Might be worth a try!

UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! Two things fixed it for me: 1. What @helpful_user5 suggested about going directly to the main SAW site first instead of through the ESD portal 2. Turning off my VPN as @techsavvy2 mentioned I'm finally in and was able to file my weekly claim with a day to spare. THANK YOU everyone for the suggestions! For anyone else having this problem, definitely try these steps before tearing your hair out like I did!

So glad you got it working! This is exactly why I love this community - everyone jumping in with different solutions until we find what works. I've bookmarked this thread because I have a feeling I'm going to need these troubleshooting steps myself at some point. The SAW system can be so finicky, but at least now we have a solid playbook for when it acts up. Thanks for updating us with what actually worked - that's super helpful for the next person who runs into this issue!

As someone new to this community, I just wanted to say how amazing it is to see everyone come together to help solve this problem! I've been lurking here for a while dealing with my own ESD issues, and seeing how you all systematically worked through different solutions until finding what worked is exactly why I finally decided to join. The step-by-step troubleshooting from @Javier Morales and the specific network/VPN insights from @Amina Diallo are going to be lifesavers for so many people. I'm definitely saving this thread as my go-to reference for SAW login issues. Thanks for showing how supportive this community can be - it gives me hope that when I inevitably run into problems, there will be people here willing to help!

Just wanted to chime in as another newcomer who's been silently dealing with similar SAW frustrations! This thread is like finding gold - I've had the auto-logout issue twice in the past month and was starting to think I was going crazy. @Yara Assad, your detailed description of trying everything matches my experience perfectly, and seeing the community rally with so many different solutions gives me hope for next time this happens. @Javier Morales, your point about the 24-hour silent lockout is particularly eye-opening - I bet that's what happened to me the first time and I had no idea! And @Hiroshi Nakamura, the tip about using the direct SAW login instead of going through the ESD portal is brilliant - I never would have thought of that approach. This is exactly the kind of practical, real-world troubleshooting that you can't find anywhere else. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread and looking forward to being part of a community where people actually help each other solve problems instead of just complaining about them. Thanks everyone for showing what collaborative problem-solving looks like!

As someone who just joined this community after struggling with my own ESD issues, I have to say this thread is incredibly helpful! I've been dealing with intermittent SAW login problems for weeks and had no idea about so many of these solutions. The systematic approach you all took here - from basic troubleshooting to the more technical VPN and network solutions - is exactly what I needed to see. @Yara Assad, thanks for being so detailed about everything you tried initially. It helps knowing I'm not the only one who went through the whole "clear cache, try different browsers, reset password multiple times" routine! And huge thanks to everyone who contributed solutions, especially @Javier Morales for the comprehensive troubleshooting steps and @Hiroshi Nakamura for that direct SAW login tip - I had no idea that could make a difference. What really stands out to me is how @Yara Assad came back to update everyone on what actually worked. That kind of follow-through is gold for people like me who are searching for solutions to the same problem. I'm definitely saving this thread as my SAW troubleshooting guide. This community seems like exactly what I needed - people who actually want to help each other navigate these frustrating government systems!