ESD keeps prompting password reset randomly - should I trust it?
Has anyone else been getting random prompts to reset their ESD password? The website suddenly started asking me to reset my credentials this morning, which seems fishy since I was able to log in perfectly fine just last week. My contract job is ending this Friday, and I was planning to file a new claim soon. I'm worried if I go through with the reset, I'll get stuck in some endless loop of credential resets or lose access completely right when I need it most. The timing seems suspicious. Is this a normal ESD system thing, or could it be some kind of phishing attempt?
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Yara Nassar
This is actually a legitimate ESD security measure. They implemented a new policy requiring password resets every 90 days for all accounts. If you haven't changed your password in that timeframe, the system will prompt you to update it. I just went through this last month - it's annoying but the process worked without any issues. Just make sure you're on the official ESD website (secure.esd.wa.gov) before entering any information.
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Connor Murphy
•Thanks for confirming! That does make me feel better. Did you have any trouble logging back in after the reset? I'm paranoid about timing since my claim will need to be filed next week.
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StarGazer101
DONT DO IT!!!! I reset my password when they asked and got LOCKED OUT for 2 WEEKS!!!! Had to call them 47 times before someone fixed it and my payments were delayed. Their system is GARBAGE!
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Connor Murphy
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! Did they explain why you got locked out? Was it something you did during the reset process?
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Keisha Jackson
Hey, I work in IT and can tell you this is standard security protocol for government systems. A few tips: 1) Clear your browser cache before starting, 2) Don't use any special characters like & or % in your new password, 3) Write down your new password immediately, and 4) Log out and log back in right away to make sure it works. Follow these steps and you should be fine.
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Connor Murphy
•Thank you for the detailed advice! I'll definitely clear my cache first - that might explain some of the weird behavior I've been seeing on the site.
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Paolo Romano
this happened to me to. password reset went fine but then got locked out for to many attempts??? never even tried to log in after reset. called esd and they said they couldnt do anything over phone and i had to wait for tech support email. took 9 days!!!!
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Keisha Jackson
•That's definitely not normal. Sounds like there might have been an automated system trying to access your account (possibly malware on your computer). Did you click on the reset link from an email or go directly to the ESD website?
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Amina Diop
If you're worried about getting through to ESD if something goes wrong, try using Claimyr. I was in the same situation last month - got locked out after a password reset and couldn't get anyone on the phone. Claimyr got me connected to an actual ESD agent within 25 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me from missing a payment cycle.
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Connor Murphy
•Thanks for the tip! I hadn't heard of this service before. I'll keep it as a backup plan if something goes wrong with the reset.
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Oliver Schmidt
I just completed my password reset yesterday and it was fine! The system is actually working better than usual right now. One thing to note - make sure you're using their new password requirements (at least 12 characters, with numbers, capitals, and special characters). My first attempt was rejected because it didn't meet all the criteria even though it was accepted when I originally set up my account.
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Connor Murphy
•That's reassuring to hear! I'll make sure to create a complex password that meets all their requirements. Did you have to verify your identity again after resetting?
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Natasha Volkov
This is completely normal and has nothing to do with your contract ending. ESD implemented stricter security measures in 2025 after the fraud issues from previous years. The timing is just coincidental. I recommend doing the reset at least 2-3 days before you need to file your claim, just in case there are any issues that need to be resolved.
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Connor Murphy
•That's great advice - I'll do the reset tonight instead of waiting until the last minute. Thanks for the reassurance about the timing!
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Connor Murphy
Update: I went ahead with the password reset following everyone's advice here. Cleared my cache first, made sure I was on the official site, and created a password that met all their requirements. The process went smoothly and I was able to log back in without any issues! Thanks everyone for your help!
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Kingston Bellamy
Glad to hear everything worked out smoothly for you! Your experience will definitely help other members who might be hesitant about doing the password reset. It's always nerve-wracking when these security prompts come up at critical times, but it sounds like following the proper precautions (clearing cache, verifying the official site, meeting password requirements) really makes the difference. Thanks for coming back to update us with the positive outcome!
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