Last resort option - you can actually file your weekly claim over the phone if you absolutely can't get into the website. The automated phone system for weekly claims is separate from the regular customer service line. The number should be on your paperwork from when you first filed your claim.

UPDATE: I tried the incognito browser suggestion and it worked! I was able to log in immediately. Thanks everyone for all the help. Turns out it was some kind of browser cache issue after all.

Thanks for posting this question! I've been wondering about the same thing with a potential settlement from a workplace accident (not workers comp related). Good to know these types of settlements generally don't affect unemployment benefits.

I went through something similar last year with a personal injury settlement from a slip and fall. Washington ESD didn't reduce my benefits at all since it wasn't work-related income. The key is being upfront about it when you file your weekly claim. I reported it under "other income" with a brief explanation that it was a personal injury settlement unrelated to employment. They reviewed it for about 10 days and then confirmed it wouldn't affect my benefits. Just make sure you keep all your settlement paperwork in case they ask for documentation later. The transparency really helps avoid any issues down the road.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm bookmarking this for future reference. One thing I'd add for anyone still struggling - if you're using Safari on Mac, try switching to Chrome or Firefox. Safari has some weird compatibility issues with the ESD site that cause similar login loops. Also, make sure your browser is updated to the latest version. I spent hours troubleshooting only to find out my Chrome was like 6 months out of date and that was causing the redirects to fail. The whole SAW integration is honestly a mess, but at least there are workarounds!

Just wanted to add another potential fix that worked for me when I had the same issue last year - if you're still getting stuck in loops even after following all the great advice here, try logging into SAW from an incognito/private browser window. Sometimes cached session data from previous login attempts can interfere with the authentication process. Also, I noticed that if you have multiple Washington state services linked to your SAW account (like licensing, voting registration, etc.), it can sometimes cause conflicts. In my case, I had to temporarily remove my business license service from SAW, add the unemployment insurance service, complete the setup, and then re-add the business license later. It's a pain but it worked when nothing else did!

When I had my standby issue I couldn't get through to ESD on the phone for nearly a week... every morning I'd call right when they opened and still couldn't get through. If you're having trouble, try that Claimyr service I mentioned - it saved me so much frustration and time. What I learned is that it's super important to deal with these issues fast before they turn into bigger problems with your claim!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I was able to get through to ESD this morning (after many attempts) and explained the situation. They were actually understanding about the confusion. I have to retroactively submit job search activities for the past weeks, but they're giving me time to do it. And I've started the proper standby request process now. Lesson learned - always verify everything in the ESD system and don't just take your employer's word for it!

MAKE SURE you keep doing your job search activities even while waiting for everything to update!!! I know someone who thought winning their appeal meant they didn't have to do job search for a while (no idea why they thought that) and they got disqualified all over again for a completely different reason. Don't give ESD any excuse!

I went through something similar last year! The system lag is frustrating but totally normal. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - if you haven't already, I'd recommend requesting a copy of the written appeal decision for your records. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to arrive by mail, but having that official document can be really helpful if any questions come up later about your eligibility. You can usually request it by calling the appeals office directly (they're easier to reach than the main ESD line). Congrats on winning your appeal!