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Technical support
HIGH DEMAND: You may experience long hold times on the phone and slow page loading speeds on our websites because we are processing a record number of unemployment claims each week. Find strategies that will help you get through on our Help Page.
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Create account tutorial | Guides | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is SAW?
A: Like most Washington state agencies, Employment Security Department uses SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to manage access to customer accounts. If you do not already have a SAW account, you will create one as part of the application process through eServices.
Q: I forgot my password. What do I do?
A: Go to secure.esd.wa.gov/home and select, "Having trouble signing in?" next to the sign in button at the bottom of the box labeled, "SecureAccess Washington (SAW)." On the next screen, select, "Forgot password" and follow the instructions to have a temporary password sent to your email.
Q: I forgot my username. What do I do?
A: Go to secure.esd.wa.gov/home and select, "Having trouble signing in?" next to the sign in button at the bottom of the box labeled, "SecureAccess Washington (SAW)." On the next screen, select, "Forgot username" and follow the instructions to have a list of your existing SAW usernames sent to your email.
Q: I have multiple SAW usernames. Which one should I use?
A: If you've used eServices or unemployment benefits before, you'll need to use the same username you used previously. If you don't know which one is correct, call the help desk.
Q: I entered my Social Security number incorrectly while setting up my account. How do I fix it?
A: To correct your Social Security number, you'll need to call the help desk.
Q: I no longer have access to the email address I used to set up my account. Can I update it?
A: To update your email address, call the help desk.
Q: I don't have access to a desktop or laptop computer. Can I use eServices on a mobile device?
A: Yes, but you will need to switch to desktop view to view the site properly.
General Unemployment Questions
800-318-6022
For current claims center contact information and hours go to: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/unemployed-workers-contact
Persons with hearing or speaking impairments can call Washington Relay Service 711
SAW help desk
855-682-0785
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Operators cannot assist with unemployment claims