ESD unemployment eServices account suspended after 3 years - can't file new claim
I'm losing my mind trying to file a new unemployment claim! I haven't needed to use unemployment since the pandemic (early 2021), but my company just did mass layoffs and here I am again. I still have my SAW (SecureAccess Washington) login from before, but when I try to access my Unemployment eServices account, it says it's "suspended"! No explanation why or what to do next. I've tried: 1. Resetting my SAW password 2. Logging out and back in multiple times 3. Using different browsers 4. Emailing the ESD technical help desk 2 weeks ago (no response) 5. Calling the claims center probably 30+ times but either get busy signals or it disconnects Has anyone dealt with an account suspension after being inactive for years? Is there any secret way to get this fixed without spending days trying to reach a human at ESD? I'm getting desperate as my savings won't last long.
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Anastasia Kozlov
The same thing happened to me last month! Accounts get suspended after long periods of inactivity as a security measure. You need to call the identity verification line specifically at 833-572-8400, NOT the regular claims center. They can reactivate your account. It took me about 7 calls to get through, but they fixed it in about 10 minutes once I reached someone.
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NeonNebula
•Thank you! I didn't even know there was a separate identity verification line. I'll try calling that number tomorrow morning when they open. Did they need any specific documents for verification?
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Sean Kelly
My cousin had this exact issue!!! The main problem is that esd purges inactive accounts after 2 years i think. soooo frustrating!!
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Zara Mirza
•This isn't entirely accurate. ESD doesn't purge accounts - they suspend them for security. Your data is still there, but you need to get it reactivated. There's a difference. OP needs to verify their identity to regain access.
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Luca Russo
I work with ESD claims fairly regularly. Here's what's happening: After approximately 2 years of inactivity, ESD security protocols automatically suspend accounts as a fraud prevention measure. Your account and claim history still exist, but you need to verify your identity to regain access. You have three options: 1. Call the identity verification line at 833-572-8400 (as someone mentioned) 2. Visit a WorkSource office in person with your ID - often faster than calling 3. Submit a secure message through your SAW account (though this won't be immediate) Whichever method you choose, you'll need to provide: - Your Social Security number - Photo ID (driver's license or state ID) - Possibly a second form of ID (birth certificate, passport, etc.) Once verified, they'll reactivate your eServices account and you can file your new claim immediately.
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NeonNebula
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I think I'll try the WorkSource office approach since calling has been such a nightmare. Is any WorkSource location fine or do I need to go to a specific one?
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Nia Harris
had the same problem tryin to file last winter. ESD is the WORST. good luck getting through to anyone!! i spent 3 days calling nonstop before i finally got someone
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GalaxyGazer
•I had the same frustration trying to reach ESD last month! After dealing with busy signals for days, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically holds your place in line with ESD and calls you when they have an agent on the line. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 I was super skeptical at first but it actually worked and I got my suspended account issue fixed in one call once I finally got through to a real person.
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Mateo Sanchez
Everybody saying call this number or that number... lol has anyone actually gotten through on ANY esd phone lines lately?? The whole system is broken, especially since they laid off half their staff after the pandemic rush ended. I bet OP will still be trying to reach someone next month.
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Luca Russo
•The identity verification line (833-572-8400) actually has shorter wait times than the general claims line, and they specifically handle account access issues. Calling right when they open at 8:00 AM gives you the best chance. Also, as I mentioned, going to a WorkSource office in person bypasses the phone system entirely.
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NeonNebula
UPDATE: I went to my local WorkSource office this morning with my driver's license and SS card. The staff there were really helpful and called ESD on their direct line. They verified my identity and unsuspended my account while I waited! I was able to log in and file my new claim as soon as I got home. For anyone with the same issue - definitely try the WorkSource office route. Way easier than battling the phone system.
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Anastasia Kozlov
•That's great news! I wish I'd known about the WorkSource option when I was dealing with this. Glad you got it sorted out!
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Sean Kelly
•wow thats super helpful to know!! gonna tell my friend who has been trying to call for days!!!
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Daniel Rivera
This is such valuable information! I'm bookmarking this thread because I have a feeling a lot of people are going to run into this same issue as more companies do layoffs. It's really helpful to know that WorkSource offices have direct lines to ESD - that seems like the best kept secret for actually getting help with account issues. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions!
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Cedric Chung
•Absolutely! This thread should be pinned or something - the WorkSource direct line trick is gold. I've been dealing with ESD issues on and off for years and never knew they had that backdoor access. Really shows how much easier things could be if ESD just communicated these options better on their website instead of making everyone figure it out through trial and error.
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