SAW login keeps refreshing - can't access ESD to file unemployment claim
I've been trying to file for unemployment benefits for the past 3 days but my SecureAccess Washington account just keeps refreshing in an endless loop when I try to log in. It accepts my username/password but then just refreshes back to the login page without any error message. I've tried everything - clearing cache, different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), even my phone! Nothing works. Every time I call the ESD claims center (844-829-6553), I get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and it automatically disconnects. Same thing with the SAW helpdesk. Does anyone know any alternative phone numbers or email addresses to reach actual humans at ESD? Or any secret trick to fix this SAW login loop? I got laid off two weeks ago and really need to get my claim filed before I miss another week. Starting to panic a bit honestly... Any suggestions would be so appreciated!
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MoonlightSonata
Have u tried doing it late at night? I had the same issue last month. The site kept refreshing at normal hours but when I tried at like 11:30pm it magically worked. Think their system gets overloaded during the day maybe
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Zara Khan
•That's a good idea, I'll definitely try late tonight! Did you have to do anything special or just regular login procedure? So frustrating that their system can't handle basic traffic...
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Mateo Gonzalez
The SAW refresh loop is a known issue that happens when their authentication system gets overloaded. Here's what to try: 1. First, try incognito/private browsing mode - this often works better than just clearing cache 2. Log in to SAW directly (secureaccess.wa.gov) first, THEN navigate to ESD separately 3. If you have any browser extensions or ad blockers, disable them temporarily 4. Try a completely different device on a different network (like a friend's computer or library) If none of that works, there's an alternate way to submit initial claims by phone at 800-318-6022, but you'll likely hit the same call volume issues. You could also try contacting your local WorkSource office directly - they sometimes have direct lines to ESD staff.
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Nia Williams
•Great advice 👍 I'll add that the SAW system maintenance usually happens Sunday nights, so Monday mornings are often the worst time to try logging in. Thursday/Friday tend to have fewer issues in my experience.
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Luca Ricci
OMG the SAW login has been AWFUL this year!!! I had the exact same problem back in January and it took me 9 DAYS to finally get in!!! The ESD phone lines are a complete joke - I called over 200 times and either got hung up on or waited 3+ hours only to get disconnected. The whole system is BROKEN and they don't care at all about us!!!
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Zara Khan
•9 days?? That's insane! I can't wait that long... I have rent due next week. Did you ever find anyone to actually help, or did it just randomly start working?
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Aisha Mohammed
After trying to deal with this same issue for days, I finally got through to ESD using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me from having to redial hundreds of times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with actually walked me through a different way to access my account by going through the WorkSource portal instead of the main ESD page. Hope this helps!
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Ethan Campbell
•Does that service actually work? Seems too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach ESD...
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Yuki Watanabe
I think there might be something going on with your specific account too. The refresh loop can happen when there's an identity verification flag on your account. This happened to me last year. The only way I fixed it was sending an email to the SAW support team (SupportTeam@HealthBenefitExchange.wa.gov) explaining the issue. They responded in about 3 business days and reset something on my account. Also, WorkSource offices can sometimes help with technical issues. Worth calling your local office.
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Zara Khan
•Thanks for the email address! I'll try that right away. I didn't realize there could be an identity verification issue - makes sense why clearing cache doesn't help. Really appreciate the tip about WorkSource too.
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Aisha Mohammed
Any luck yet? If you're still having issues, try accessing the site using your phone but turn OFF wifi and just use cellular data. Sometimes IP addresses from certain ISPs get soft-blocked when their system is under heavy load. Worked for me!
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Zara Khan
•UPDATE: I finally got in!! I tried at 1am like someone suggested and the site worked perfectly. Was able to file my initial claim and set up my account properly. Thank you all SO MUCH for the help! For anyone else having this issue - late night login definitely works!
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Ethan Campbell
they always do this annoyin stuff right when u need benifits the most lol. classic ESD. glad u got in tho!
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Ruby Blake
Great to hear you got in! For anyone else still struggling with this, I'd also recommend checking if your browser has any security settings that might be blocking cookies or JavaScript from government sites. Sometimes overly strict privacy settings can cause these endless refresh loops. Also, if you have a VPN running, try turning it off - some VPN IP ranges seem to trigger their fraud detection systems. The late night approach really does work best though!
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