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Ivanna St. Pierre

ESD blocked by firewall when filing weekly claim - anyone else?

I'm trying to file my weekly claim today and something weird is happening. Every time I get to the certification page, I get this message saying I've been blocked by the site's firewall! I've been filing for 3 months with no issues until now. I've tried different browsers (Chrome and Edge), cleared my cookies, even tried on my phone instead of my laptop, but I keep getting blocked. The message says something about 'suspicious activity' but I'm literally just trying to file my claim like normal! Has anyone else run into this firewall block recently? I'm getting anxious because I don't want to miss my filing window and lose this week's benefits. Any suggestions for getting past this?

Elin Robinson

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yep happening to me too since yesterday. tried 8 times already super annoying

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Oh good, it's not just me then! Have you found any way around it yet? I'm worried about missing my filing deadline.

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This happened to me about 3 weeks ago. The ESD system sometimes flags multiple login attempts or certain IP addresses as suspicious, especially if you're using a VPN or public wifi. Try these steps: 1. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying again 2. Connect to a different network if possible (home wifi vs. mobile data) 3. Clear your browser cache completely (not just cookies) 4. Try accessing the site in incognito/private mode 5. If all else fails, contact ESD directly If you're concerned about missing your filing window, remember you have until Saturday at 11:59pm to complete your weekly claim without penalty.

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Thank you! I'll try the incognito mode first since that's easiest. I didn't know about the Saturday deadline - that's a relief. I was panicking thinking I only had until tomorrow.

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Beth Ford

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the private mode thing works!! just tried it after seeing this and got through finally. weird that this is happening to so many ppl

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I had this EXACT SAME PROBLEM last week!! It's so frustrating! I tried over and over but kept getting blocked. I ended up having to call ESD directly (which was its own nightmare - took forever to get through). The agent told me they've been upgrading their security system and it's causing problems for some users. She was able to reset something on my account and I could log in again. If you can't get through using the other suggestions, you might need to call. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent instead of waiting on hold forever. They have this service that calls ESD for you and connects you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of listening to that horrible hold music! There's a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

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I want to clarify something here that might help people understand what's happening. The ESD system has recently implemented enhanced security measures to protect against fraudulent claims. These measures sometimes incorrectly flag legitimate users. If you're getting blocked, it's important to know that ESD is aware of these issues. They've published a notice about it in their system alerts. While the private browsing suggestion works for some people, others might need their account manually reset by an agent. If calling becomes necessary, be prepared to verify your identity with your claim ID, the last four digits of your SSN, and possibly answering additional security questions.

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Joy Olmedo

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I've been dealing with this firewall issue for two weeks now!! So frustrating. I tried everything - different browsers, computers, networks. What finally worked for me was filing very early in the morning (like 5am) when the system traffic is lower. Apparently their security system gets more sensitive during high-traffic periods. Also, make sure you're not rapidly clicking buttons or refreshing pages multiple times. Their system sees that as suspicious behavior and will block you faster. Good luck!

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Thanks for the tip about early morning filing! If I have issues again next week I'll try that. I never thought about the rapid clicking thing but I was definitely getting frustrated and clicking around a lot trying to make it work. That probably didn't help!

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Isaiah Cross

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anyone know if this firewall thing also happens with the esd mobile app? might be easier than browser?

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Good question. The ESD mobile app uses a different authentication pathway, so it might bypass the issue some people are experiencing with the web portal. However, the app has its own set of limitations - it doesn't support all claim types and sometimes has synchronization issues with the main system. Worth trying though if you're consistently blocked on the website.

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Beth Ford

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guys just to update - i called esd this morning (took forever) and they said theyre having issues with their security system. guy said they know about it and are working on it. supposed to be fixed by next week. he filed my claim over the phone for me.

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Thanks for the update! Good to know they're aware of it. I managed to file using incognito mode, but it's reassuring to hear they're working on a fix. Did they say anything about whether this would be an ongoing issue?

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Beth Ford

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he said it should be fixed by monday but you know how that goes lol

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Kiara Greene

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This happened to me but turned out my internet was the problem! My router was acting up. Have you tried using completely different internet connection like at a library or coffee shop?

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Joy Olmedo

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That's definitely not what's happening here since multiple people are experiencing the same issue with ESD's security system. They've confirmed it's on their end.

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UPDATE FROM ESD: I just spoke with an ESD technical support representative who confirmed they're experiencing issues with their enhanced security system. Here's the official information: 1. The firewall issue is affecting approximately 15% of users when filing weekly claims 2. It's primarily triggered by multiple login attempts, certain browsers, or specific network configurations 3. They expect to have a patch implemented by Monday, April 14, 2025 4. In the meantime, they recommend using private/incognito browsing mode or the ESD mobile app 5. If you're still blocked, call the technical support line at 855-682-0785 Most importantly, they've implemented a grace period for anyone affected by this issue. You won't be penalized if your claim is filed late due to the firewall problem. Just document your attempts (screenshots if possible) and note the issue when you do get through.

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Thank you so much for sharing this official update! That's really helpful and puts my mind at ease. I appreciate you taking the time to post all these details.

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I'm having the exact same issue! Started yesterday when I tried to file my weekly claim. I keep getting that firewall block message no matter what I do. It's so stressful because I don't want to miss my filing deadline. I tried switching from my home WiFi to mobile data but still getting blocked. Really glad to see I'm not the only one - I was starting to think I did something wrong with my account. Going to try the incognito mode suggestion right now!

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Jacob Lee

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I'm dealing with the same thing! Just tried incognito mode after reading the suggestions here and it worked for me. If that doesn't work for you, definitely try waiting 30 minutes between attempts - someone mentioned that helped them. Also good to know from @Kingston Bellamy s'update that ESD won t'penalize us for late filing due to this firewall issue. Hope you get through soon!

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