ESD sending out mysterious letters - can't access ESD eServices after years of inactivity

This is actually happening to a lot of people right now. ESD is doing an account review and system update, so they're sending notices to people who had claims during Covid. Many are getting overpayment notices or requests to verify identity even years later. Don't ignore it - these issues only get worse with time. Your account is probably locked due to inactivity or the recent system migration.

got the same thing last week. turned out to be an overpayment notice for $2,750 from 2020!!! claimed i didn't report some income correctly which is BS. my account was also locked and took 3 days to get back in.

Don't panic yet! I recommend trying these steps to access your account: 1. First, try clearing your browser cache and cookies completely 2. Use the "Forgot Username" option instead of password reset 3. Check if your email address has changed since 2020 4. Try logging in with your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) credentials instead If none of those work, you'll need to contact ESD directly. These letters often have deadlines to respond (typically 30 days), so don't put it off too long.

mine was just a reminder that my records will be deleted after 6 years unless I login once a year lol. big panic over nothing

I work with unemployment claims frequently, and this is definitely part of ESD's system-wide review that started in January 2025. They're reviewing all Covid-era claims for potential fraud and overpayments before the statute of limitations expires. For locked accounts, you need to call the technical support line at 855-682-0785, not the regular claims line. Ask specifically for account reactivation. They'll verify your identity and either restore access or mail you a temporary password. If it is an overpayment notice, don't ignore it! You have appeal rights, and there are also waiver options for Covid-era overpayments if the overpayment wasn't your fault. But you must respond within the deadline on the notice.

Do NOT ignore this!!! I ignored a similar letter last year thinking it was spam or something minor, and ended up with a tax garnishment because it was actually an overpayment notice that I never responded to. ESD doesn't play around - they'll get their money one way or another if they believe you owe. If you really can't access your account or reach them by phone, send a physical letter via certified mail to the ESD Appeals Office explaining that you've been unable to access your account to view the notice. Include your full name, last 4 of SSN, address, and contact info. This creates a paper trail showing you attempted to respond.

this happened to me to. the letter was about some job search audit from 2020!! they claiming I didnt do enough job searches even tho the requirement was waived during covid??? make it make sense lol. such a joke.

UPDATE: Finally got through to ESD this morning after trying when they first opened! The letter was actually about potential identity theft - someone tried to file a new claim using my information, which triggered their security system. The rep helped me secure my account and file a fraud report. So glad I didn't ignore this! They said there's been a wave of fraud attempts targeting old Covid-era accounts. Everyone should check their accounts and make sure their contact info is up to date.