ESD account lock issues - can't login online and phone queue full!
I'm having a complete nightmare with my ESD account access and can't get any help! For two weeks straight, I've been trying to login to my account and all it does is refresh the page when I enter my (correct) username and password. Not even an error message - just refreshes. When I deliberately try an incorrect password, it DOES give me an error, so the system clearly recognizes my real credentials but won't let me in. I've reset my password multiple times with zero luck. Meanwhile, I've called ESD probably 25+ times on different days and at different hours, tried every single menu option, and always get the "due to high call volume" message before getting disconnected. I'm now going on two weeks without my benefit payment and bills are piling up fast. I've heard rumors you can go to the Olympia office in person for help, but it's a 2-hour drive each way for me. Has anyone actually done this successfully? Is there a walk-in option or do you need an appointment? Really don't want to waste 4+ hours driving if they'll just turn me away. Any suggestions at all would be massively appreciated - I'm desperate at this point!
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Kayla Jacobson
This sounds like a session timeout issue with the SAW (SecureAccess Washington) system that ESD uses. I had a similar problem last month - try these steps: 1. Clear your browser cache and cookies completely 2. Use a different browser altogether (if you're using Chrome, try Firefox) 3. Make sure you're going directly to esd.wa.gov first, then clicking the sign-in button there 4. Disable any browser extensions/add-ons temporarily The page refresh without error usually means there's a session token issue. Sometimes the cookies get corrupted. If that doesn't work, you might need to contact the SAW technical support directly (not ESD) at 888-241-7597.
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Hannah Flores
•Thank you! I'll try all of these today. I've been using Chrome - didn't even think about trying a different browser. Fingers crossed this works!
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William Rivera
The Olympia office is open for in-person help BUT they strongly prefer appointments now. I went there in January after having similar login issues. You *can* walk in, but I waited 3.5 hours before being seen. If you go, bring ALL your claim documents, ID, and be prepared to wait most of the day. They open at 8am and I'd recommend getting there right when they open. Better than driving there and getting turned away!
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Hannah Flores
•This is super helpful info - thank you! Did they actually resolve your issue while you were there? Or did they just take your info and get back to you later? I'm wondering if it's worth the drive.
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William Rivera
•They fixed it while I was there! The rep I spoke with actually called someone in IT while I waited and got my account unlocked. Took about 20 minutes once I finally got to speak with someone. Definitely bring a book or something to keep you busy during the wait though.
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Grace Lee
Have you tried sending a secure message through your account? Oh wait, you can't even log in, sorry. I should read more carefully. If the browser solutions don't work, I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to ESD on the phone. It's a service that essentially waits on hold for you and calls you back when an agent is available. I was skeptical at first but it worked great after I was stuck in a similar situation. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It basically bypasses the "high call volume" issue and gets you connected to an actual ESD agent who can help with the login problems.
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Mia Roberts
•i used this 2 weeks ago and it worked but only after two tries. first time they couldnt get thru but second time they did. agent was able to reset something on my account that fixed the login loop
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The Boss
•Sounds like a SCAM to me. Why would I pay some random company to call ESD for me?? They're probably just collecting your info. The government should ANSWER THEIR PHONES without us having to PAY extra!!!
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Evan Kalinowski
HAHAHA welcome to the wonderful world of ESD! they claim to "serve" washington but really they just collect paychecks and ignore us. ive had FIVE different login issues since 2023 and every time its a nightmare to fix. one time i literally had to contact my STATE REPRESENTATIVE to get help after 6 weeks of trying!!! the whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up on benefits they EARNED and are ENTITLED to!!!!
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Victoria Charity
•While there are definitely frustrating issues with ESD, I don't think the system is intentionally designed to deny benefits. They're dealing with outdated technology and staffing shortages. I work in IT and their systems are using some really outdated infrastructure that's prone to these kinds of authentication problems. It's more a case of underinvestment than malice.
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Hannah Flores
UPDATE: The browser solution worked!!! I switched from Chrome to Firefox, cleared all cookies first, and was able to login immediately. Turns out I had a verification task that was holding up my payments. Thank you everyone for your help - especially @profile2 for the browser suggestion. Now I just need to complete this verification and hopefully get paid soon.
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Kayla Jacobson
•Fantastic news! Glad it worked out. Just a heads-up - the verification tasks usually take 48-72 hours to process after you submit. If you don't see movement by Friday, that's when I'd consider using one of the contact methods suggested here to follow up.
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The Boss
This is why I always tell people to KEEP A SEPARATE BROWSER just for unemployment stuff! Don't use it for anything else. Just ESD. I have Firefox that I ONLY use for ESD and haven't had a single login issue since I started doing that in 2025. Too many cookies and trackers from other sites mess with the secure login process.
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Mia Roberts
•smart idea. never thought of that. gonna try it
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Evan Kalinowski
btw when i had this happen it was because my account got flagged for "suspicious activity" even tho it was ME trying to login from MY SAME COMPUTER I ALWAYS USE!!! make sure to ask them to check if your account is flagged when you get through to someone!!
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