Welcome to the Employment Security Department’s tutorial to create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account.
This is the first step before you can use the department’s eServices to apply for unemployment insurance and other business with the department. It is important to follow this guide to avoid common issues that may delay your benefits. Let’s get started!
Access the ESD Website
To begin, go to the Employment Security Department website. From there, you can find links to user guides and technical support that may be helpful during the account setup process. Make sure to have these resources easily accessible as you go through the steps.
Check for Existing SAW Account
Before creating a new account, it is recommended to check if you already have a SAW account. Click on the “Sign in or create an account” link on the homepage.
If you can’t remember your username or password, don’t worry. You can recover them using just your email address. If you’re unable to access the email account associated with your previous SAW account, visit the technical support page for assistance.
Create a New Account
If you are sure you don’t have an existing account, click on the blue “Create a new account” link on the sign-in page. Fill out your personal information, including your legal first and last name, email address, username, and password. Make sure your password meets the requirements. Choose a security question, check the box to confirm you’re not a robot, and click “Register your account”.
Activate Your Account
You will receive an activation link in the email address you provided. Open your email and click on the link to activate your account. This link confirms that you have created a new Secure Access Washington username and password. Once activated, you can log in to eServices.
Complete eServices Registration
After logging in, you will be asked if you are registering for yourself or for your business. Choose the appropriate option and provide the requested information to verify your identity. Make sure to enter your information correctly. Confirm your mailing address and choose either the standardized USPS address or the one you entered. Congratulations! You have successfully created your SAW account and registered in eServices.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you encounter any issues or have questions, here are some common situations and solutions:
- If an account already exists for your Social Security Number, try to sign in using your existing account credentials. If needed, you can request a new password or find your old username on the sign-in page.
- If you receive an error message stating that information cannot be verified, contact the SAW help desk for assistance.
- If you entered your Social Security Number incorrectly, contact the SAW help desk to deactivate your account and create a new one.
- If you forget your username or password, you can look them up using your email address from the login page.
- If you’ve applied before, use the same account to open a new claim.
For more information, visit the technical support page on the ESD website. You can also find answers to unemployment-related questions and access helpful resources on the unemployment page. Thank you for your patience and stay well!