SAW login loop after password reset - can't file new ESD claim after layoff

Ugh, the SAW login issues are THE WORST. Try using a completely different browser (like Firefox if you normally use Chrome) and make sure to clear all cookies first. For some reason SAW gets super buggy with cached data. Also, check if your caps lock is on because the password field is case-sensitive but doesn't always show the error correctly when it fails.

The SAW system has been having intermittent issues since they did an update last month. There are a few specific steps to troubleshoot this: 1. Clear ALL browser cache and cookies 2. Make sure you're going directly to secure.esd.wa.gov rather than through a bookmark or link 3. Try using a private/incognito browser window 4. Disable any browser extensions/plugins temporarily 5. If using a mobile device, switch to a desktop If none of those work, you might need to create a completely new SAW account and then contact ESD to link your old unemployment history to the new account.

SAW IS LITERAL GARBAGE!!! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to fix the same issue when I got laid off in January!!! Their tech support is completely useless and nobody at ESD will admit the system is broken. They just keep telling you to reset passwords and clear cache like we're all idiots who don't know how to use computers!!!! I finally got through after calling about 50 times and they had to manually reset something on their end.

I've seen this issue a lot recently. The problem is that your old account is still in the system but might be in a deactivated state, which creates the login loop. Here's what worked for several people I've helped: 1. Try logging in with your VERY FIRST password if you remember it 2. If that doesn't work, use the "Contact Us" form on the SAW homepage specifically mentioning "account reactivation" in your request 3. If you're still stuck, you need to speak with a tier 2 technical support person, not just the general helpline Getting through on the phone is nearly impossible these days unless you call right when they open at 8:00 AM.

I had exactly this problem last month! After trying everything suggested (different browsers, clearing cache, etc.), I finally got through to someone using Claimyr. It's a service that basically holds your place in the ESD phone queue and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me from spending hours on hold. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The ESD agent told me that accounts inactive for more than 2 years often need manual reactivation that you can't do yourself. They fixed it on their end in about 5 minutes once I actually got through to them.

have u tried doing it from a different device like maybe ur phone instead of computer? sometimes my laptop gets weird with that site but phone works fine idk why

One more technical thing to check - make sure your browser isn't auto-filling the wrong username format. SAW sometimes requires your username in a specific format but doesn't tell you when it's wrong. If you originally created your account with an email but are typing just a username now (or vice versa), that can cause the loop issue.

Everyone keeps saying call ESD but nobody mentions HOW impossibel that is!!! I filed 3 weeks ago and still haven't been able to speak to anyone. I need to talk to them about my standby status and it's been auto-denied while I wait. This whole system is rigged against workers!

UPDATE: I used Claimyr to get through to ESD this morning, and they fixed my account! The agent said my old account was in a 'dormant' status that was causing the login loop. They had to manually reactivate it on their end. For anyone else facing this issue - definitely try to speak with someone directly rather than just keep resetting your password. Thanks everyone for your help!