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Just wanted to update everyone - I was having this same login loop issue for the past week and finally got it resolved! After trying all the browser fixes mentioned here (clearing cache, disabling extensions, different browsers), what worked for me was actually a combination of things: I used Firefox in private browsing mode AND made sure to go directly to secure.esd.wa.gov/home/ instead of the regular esd.wa.gov site. Apparently there can be redirect issues between the different URLs that cause the authentication loop. Also want to echo what Miguel said about the phone filing option - I used 800-318-6022 twice while dealing with this issue and it saved me from missing my weekly claim deadlines. The automated system is clunky but it works. Hope this helps someone else who's stuck in the same frustrating situation!
Thanks for the update Mei! That's really helpful to know about using the direct secure.esd.wa.gov/home/ link - I bet a lot of people (myself included) have been using the regular esd.wa.gov and getting caught in those redirect issues. Going to bookmark the secure link for future reference. It's also reassuring to hear that multiple people have successfully used the phone filing system as a backup. I've been hesitant to try it because I assumed it would be even more complicated than the website, but knowing it actually works gives me confidence for next time this happens.
I'm having this exact same issue right now! Been stuck in the login loop since yesterday morning and it's driving me crazy. I can authenticate with SAW just fine, but then it keeps bouncing me back to the ESD login page. I tried the incognito mode suggestion and it worked temporarily - I was able to get in once and check my claim status, but then when I tried to file my weekly claim it kicked me out again and now even incognito isn't working. Has anyone noticed if this issue is worse on certain days of the week? I'm wondering if it's related to server load since it seems like a lot of people are experiencing this simultaneously. Going to try the direct secure.esd.wa.gov/home/ link that Mei mentioned and if that fails I'll use the phone system. Thanks everyone for sharing your solutions - it's really helpful to know what's worked for others!
I've been dealing with this intermittent issue for months and you're definitely right about it being worse on certain days! From my experience, it's worst on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings when everyone is trying to file their weekly claims, and also tends to happen more frequently at the end/beginning of months (probably when they do system maintenance). What's helped me is keeping a bookmark to the direct secure.esd.wa.gov/home/ link AND the phone filing number in case the website completely fails. Also, if incognito worked once for you, try completely closing your browser, waiting about 10-15 minutes, then opening a fresh incognito window - sometimes there's some kind of session conflict that takes time to clear. The fact that you were able to check your claim status is a good sign that your account itself isn't flagged, so it's likely just the authentication handoff that's glitchy right now.
I waited 10 days to file because I was traveling when I got let go. Cost me about $600 in benefits. Learn from my mistake!
The bottom line is file immediately and start your weekly claims right away. Don't give up free money by procrastinating.
I'm in almost the exact same situation! Just accepted a position that starts September 3rd, so I have about 4 weeks of benefits left to navigate. This entire thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea there were so many others dealing with this exact timing issue. The standby status option sounds perfect for my timeframe, and I'm definitely calling ESD tomorrow to inquire about it. The email template everyone's sharing for handling interview requests is exactly what I needed - I've been so worried about how to be professional while being honest about my situation. It's really reassuring to hear that most employers actually respect the transparency. One thing that's been weighing on me is whether I should proactively mention my accepted position in my job applications during this period, or only bring it up if I get interview requests. Has anyone tried mentioning it upfront in applications, or is it better to wait until there's actual employer interest? Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed real-world advice - this community support is invaluable!
Great question about when to mention your accepted position! From my experience, I'd recommend NOT mentioning it upfront in applications during your job search activities. Here's why: 1) You still need to demonstrate you're genuinely seeking work for ESD compliance, and mentioning an accepted position in applications might signal you're not truly available. 2) Most employers won't even read applications from people who aren't actually available. 3) It's better to complete legitimate job search activities and only disclose your situation IF you get interview requests. That way you're meeting your requirements while being ethical. Save the transparency for when there's actual mutual interest - that's when the email template everyone's sharing becomes perfect. You're doing the right thing by being thoughtful about this!
I'm actually going through this exact situation right now too! Just accepted a position that starts September 12th, so I have about 5 weeks left on unemployment. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the standby status option and will definitely be calling ESD tomorrow to ask about it. The email template everyone's sharing for handling interview requests is perfect - I've been really anxious about how to handle that professionally. It's so reassuring to hear from people who've actually been through this and that employers generally appreciate the honesty. One thing I'm curious about - for those who successfully used the standby status, how quickly did ESD process it? Since I have 5 weeks left, I'm wondering if it's worth pursuing or if the approval might take just as long as my remaining benefit period. Either way, I feel so much more confident about navigating this after reading everyone's experiences. Thank you all for sharing such practical, real-world advice!
Good luck with your claim! Layoffs are usually straightforward for Washington ESD to process compared to other separation types. You should be approved as long as everything else checks out.
Just to add another perspective - I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. When Washington ESD contacts employers about separation, they're specifically looking to verify the circumstances you reported. Since you mentioned having a layoff notice, definitely upload that documentation. It makes the verification process much smoother and faster. Also, be aware that if your company is doing multiple layoffs, Washington ESD might already be familiar with your employer's situation, which can actually help speed up your claim processing.
That's really helpful insight from the employer side! I didn't realize Washington ESD might already be familiar with my company's layoffs. We had about 200 people let go when they closed our whole division, so hopefully that makes the process smoother. I'll definitely upload that layoff notice - it has all the official details about the closure and lists me specifically as affected by the reduction in force.
That's really helpful to know from the HR perspective! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my whole department got eliminated. It sounds like having that official documentation really makes a difference. Do you know if there's anything else we should include when uploading documents to make sure Washington ESD has everything they need for the separation verification?
Javier Gomez
Final reminder - always report any work and earnings accurately on your weekly claims, regardless of how many times you've filed for unemployment. Honesty is crucial to maintaining your eligibility.
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NebulaNinja
•Absolutely. I learned that lesson well during my first claim experience.
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GalacticGladiator
•And keep detailed records of your job search activities. Washington ESD can audit your work search compliance at any time.
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Keisha Jackson
I've been through this situation multiple times myself and can confirm everything mentioned here is accurate. One thing I'd add is to make sure you file your new claim as soon as possible after your job ends - don't wait around thinking about it. Washington ESD can't pay benefits for weeks before you actually file, so any delay just costs you money. Also, if you have any employer-provided severance pay, make sure you understand how that affects your benefit timing since it might delay when you can start receiving payments.
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Kennedy Morrison
•That's really helpful advice about filing right away! I didn't realize there was no backpay for weeks before you file. Quick question about the severance - does it matter if it's paid out as a lump sum versus over several weeks? I'm wondering if that changes how it affects benefit timing.
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Samuel Robinson
•Great point about severance pay timing! From what I understand, Washington ESD treats severance differently depending on how it's paid out. If it's a lump sum, they typically allocate it over the period it's meant to cover (like if you get 4 weeks severance in one payment, they spread it across 4 weeks). If it's paid weekly, it usually affects benefits week by week. But honestly, this is one of those situations where calling ESD directly would give you the most accurate answer for your specific case - severance rules can get pretty complex depending on your employer's policy.
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