ESD website completely broken - can't log in via any browser or device

Same issue here since Tuesday! I've been trying to log in for 3 days straight. From what I've gathered through a friend who works at WorkSource, ESD is doing some kind of system update that's causing widespread login problems. They're aware of the issue but haven't announced when it'll be fixed. I wouldn't bother with contacting representatives yet - this seems to be a temporary technical glitch rather than a policy issue. Try logging in very early in the morning (like 5-6am) when server load is lower. That worked for me once, but then I got locked out again.

yep websites broken for me 2. keeps saying "authentication error" whatever that means lol. tried calling like 20x yesterday and nothing

I'm an IT specialist who's dealt with unemployment systems in multiple states. This sounds like a database authentication issue on their side, not a problem with your devices or browsers. A few things to try: 1. If you're using a password manager or autofill, try manually typing your credentials instead 2. Make sure your keyboard doesn't have caps lock on (seems obvious but happens all the time) 3. Try accessing at odd hours (3-4am) when system load is minimal 4. If you have access to a completely different network (like a friend's house or mobile hotspot not on your regular carrier), try that As for the phone issues - ESD's call center is perpetually understaffed. What they don't tell you is that you need to call right when they open (usually 8:00am) or you won't get through.

OMG the ESD website is THE WORST!!!! I've had nothing but problems for months!!! Their whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch if you ask me. Half the time I can log in but then it crashes when I try to submit my claim. The other half I can't even get past the login screen. I've started taking screenshots of EVERYTHING as proof that I tried to file on time. You should do the same in case they try to deny your benefits because of THEIR technical problems!!!!

Have you tried reaching ESD through a service called Claimyr? I was in a similar situation last month - website was glitching and couldn't get through on the phone for days. A friend recommended Claimyr, and they helped me get connected to an actual ESD agent within about 30 minutes instead of dealing with the busy signals and hangups. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Even if you can't log in to the website, an ESD agent on the phone can sometimes file your weekly claim for you or note your account that you attempted to file on time. Worth a try if you're desperate!

I manage to get around this issue by using Microsoft Edge browser for some reason. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari all failed for me too. Something about the security certificates maybe? Also, try going through the SecureAccess Washington portal first instead of directly to the ESD site. Sometimes that creates a better authentication path. Also, this might sound strange but check if your account has been locked. If you've made multiple failed login attempts, sometimes they temporarily lock the account for security reasons.

Don't worry too much about missing your weekly claim deadline due to their technical issues. I work with unemployment appeals, and ESD has protocols for system outages. Document everything - take screenshots showing failed login attempts with timestamps, and send an email to the technical support address (even if they don't respond immediately). This creates a paper trail. If you do miss filing because of their system issues, immediately file an appeal explaining the situation once you can access the system again. They should backdate your claim when it's clearly their system at fault. I've helped multiple clients successfully appeal in similar situations.

This happens every few months when they do system updates. Last time my friend who works at ESD told me they had some kind of database migration that went wrong and it took them almost a week to fix it. But they didn't announce it publicly because they didn't want everyone panicking. They should really just tell people when the system will be down so we don't all waste our time trying to log in and calling repeatedly... but that would make too much sense I guess. BTW one time i had a similar issue and when i finally got through to someone, they said my account had been flagged for a security review because i logged in from too many different devices. Might be worth asking about that when you finally reach someone.

UPDATE: After trying all your suggestions, I finally got in! For anyone else having this problem, here's what worked: 1. Used Microsoft Edge browser (thanks @profile6!) 2. Went through the SecureAccess Washington portal instead of directly to ESD 3. Manually typed my password instead of using autofill 4. Did this at 5:30am when server load was lower My account wasn't locked, it really was just their system being overloaded or having technical issues. I was able to file my weekly claim successfully. If I hadn't gotten in, I would have tried Claimyr as suggested to reach an agent by phone. Thank you everyone for your help!

This is so frustrating but unfortunately typical for ESD! I've been dealing with similar login issues for the past few days. What's really annoying is that they never communicate these system problems to users - we're all just left guessing whether it's our fault or theirs. For what it's worth, I've had some luck using a VPN to connect through a different location. Sometimes their servers respond differently depending on your IP address or location. Also, if you're on mobile data, try switching to WiFi or vice versa. The fact that you can't even get through to phone support is unacceptable. They really need to invest in better infrastructure and customer service. I hope you get through soon - keep trying those early morning hours that others mentioned!

I'm dealing with the exact same issue! Been locked out since Wednesday and it's driving me crazy. I tried most of the suggestions here but what finally got me in was clearing ALL my browser data (not just cookies/cache) and then waiting until around 6am to try logging in. One thing I discovered is that if you're using any browser extensions like ad blockers or password managers, try disabling them completely before attempting to log in. Sometimes they interfere with ESD's authentication process. Also, for anyone still struggling - I found that the mobile app version sometimes works when the website doesn't. It's called "ESD Services" in the app store. Not sure why there's a difference but worth a shot if you're desperate! Really appreciate everyone sharing their workarounds here. ESD needs to get their act together - we shouldn't have to become IT experts just to file our weekly claims!