Why is my Washington ESD unemployment account locked after login attempts?

I checked caps lock and everything. How long did it take for your account to unlock?

Mine unlocked automatically after 24 hours. But I called them to make sure I wouldn't miss my weekly claim deadline.

Thanks, I'll try that right now. Should I use incognito mode too?

Yes definitely try incognito mode. Also make sure you're going directly to secure.esd.wa.gov and not clicking any saved bookmarks.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call for days.

It basically handles the calling and waiting for you. You don't have to sit there hitting redial. Really helpful when you have a time-sensitive issue like a locked account.

Is this legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly.

I have been using my phone more lately instead of my computer. Could that be it?

Absolutely! Their system flags that as suspicious activity. Try logging in from the same device you usually use.

Pretty sure I'm using the right one but now you're making me second guess myself lol

Write down which password you're using before you try again. That way you can be 100% sure.

What backup access methods?

I keep my account recovery info updated and I know my SSN and all my employer info by heart in case I need to verify over the phone.

Still trying different things. The incognito mode didn't work either.

Might need to wait the full 24 hours then. Washington ESD is strict about the lockout period.

Yeah I'm definitely considering it. Don't want to miss my filing deadline.

That's exactly why I started using it. Missing weekly claims is not worth the stress of trying to get through their phone system.

Preach! I've had nothing but problems since I started my claim.

It's intentionally difficult to discourage people from filing. Change my mind.

What's the difference? I thought they were the same thing.

SecureAccess Washington is the main login system. Go to secureaccess.wa.gov directly and try the password reset there.

Oh no, I didn't even think of that. Let me check my email now.

If there are security alerts, you'll need to call Washington ESD immediately to secure your account.

That would be amazing right now. I really can't wait until tomorrow.

How much does something like that cost though?

It's worth checking out their site for the details. Way cheaper than missing unemployment payments.

I don't think I have a VPN running but let me double check my settings.

Also check if your work or school network has any filtering that might trigger their security.

How did you fix that?

had to call and verify my identity with the agent to update my contact info

Really? I thought missing the deadline was automatic disqualification.

Not if it's due to their system being down or locked accounts. They have provisions for technical issues.

This is true but you still need to contact them ASAP to explain the situation and get it documented.

That's oddly specific but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point lol

Worked for me twice! Their system processes a lot of stuff at midnight.

Awesome! Glad the cache clearing worked. Washington ESD's system is so finicky about stored data.

Great news! Definitely keep that Claimyr option in mind for future issues though.

Yay! Were you able to file your weekly claim on time?

Yes just filed it. Such a relief! Going to bookmark this thread in case it happens again.