Where to log in and what you need

Washington's unemployment system uses a single login portal called WorkSource Washington. You access it through the Washington State Department of Employment & Economic Development (EEDD) website at des.wa.gov. The login page is clearly marked, and you will need either your Social Security number or your EEDD account number plus a password you created when you first filed.

If you have never logged in before, you will need to create an account first. This happens on the same portal — there is a "Create Account" or "New User" link on the login page. You will provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address, then set a password. Washington does not mail you a temporary password; you create your own during account setup.

The system works on any device with internet access — computer, tablet, or phone — and is available 24 hours a day. However, the state sometimes performs maintenance on evenings and weekends, so if you cannot log in, try again a few hours later.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at des.wa.gov using your Social Security number or EEDD account number and the password you created during account setup.
  • If you have never logged in, you must create an account first on the same portal using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
  • Once logged in, you can file weekly claims, check claim status, view payment history, and update your contact information.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it via email.
  • The system is down for maintenance some evenings and weekends; if you cannot log in, wait and try again later.

Creating your account if you are logging in for the first time

Go to des.wa.gov and look for the WorkSource Washington login area. Click the link that says "Create Account" or "New User." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. Washington uses this information to verify your identity and send you password reset links if you need them.

Next, you will create a password. Washington requires at least 8 characters, and the password must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or #). Write this password down somewhere safe — you will use it every time you log in. Do not use a password you have used for other accounts, and do not share it with anyone.

After you submit your account information, you should see a confirmation message. You can then log in when ready using your Social Security number (or the account number the system assigns you) and your new password.

What to do if you cannot log in

The most common reason people cannot log in is a forgotten password. On the login page, click "Forgot Password" and enter your Social Security number or account number. Washington will send a password reset link to the email address you provided when you created your account. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link within 24 hours. You will then create a new password following the same rules as before.

If you do not remember the email address you used, or if you never received the reset email, contact the EEDD Customer Service Center at 1-800-318-6022. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. Wait times can be long, especially early in the week, so consider calling mid-week or mid-morning if possible.

If the login page itself is not loading, or if you see an error message when you try to log in, the system may be down for maintenance. Washington performs updates on some evenings and weekends. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If the problem continues, call customer service.

What you can do once you are logged in

After you log in, you will see your WorkSource Washington dashboard. From here, you can file your weekly claim if you are currently receiving benefits. You will answer questions about your work search, any income you earned that week, and whether you worked. This must be done by the important date shown on your screen — usually by the end of the week you are claiming for.

You can also view your claim status, which shows whether your claim was approved, denied, or is still being reviewed. The dashboard displays your payment history, showing when payments were sent and how much you received. If you need to update your address, phone number, or email, there is usually an "Account Settings" or "Profile" section where you can make those changes.

Some accounts also have access to a "Documents" or "Messages" section where you can upload proof of job search, view correspondence from EEDD, or respond to requests for more information. Not all accounts have this feature — it depends on your claim type and status.

Password security and account protection

Your WorkSource Washington account contains sensitive information: your Social Security number, address, banking details (if you chose direct deposit), and claim history. Protect your password by never sharing it, never writing it on a sticky note near your computer, and never using the same password for other websites or accounts.

If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready. Log in, go to Account Settings, and select "Change Password." If you cannot log in because you think someone changed your password, call customer service at 1-800-318-6022 and ask them to help you regain access. They will verify your identity before making any changes.

Do not log in on a public computer (like at a library) unless you log out completely when you are done. If you use a shared device at home, consider using a private or incognito browser window so your password is not saved.

Troubleshooting common login errors

If you see a message saying "Invalid username or password," double-check that you are entering your Social Security number (with or without dashes — both work) or your account number, not your name. Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is off. If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.

If you see "Account locked" or "Too many login attempts," you have entered the wrong password several times in a row. Wait 15 to 30 minutes, then try again. If the account remains locked, call customer service.

If you see "Session expired," you have been logged in for too long without activity. Log out and log back in. This is a security feature and is normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a new account every time I file a claim?

No. You create one account the first time you log in, and you use the same login credentials every time after that. Your account stays active as long as you have an open claim with Washington.

What if I do not have an email address?

You need an email address to create a WorkSource Washington account, because that is how you receive password reset links and important messages from EEDD. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account at Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Then use that email when you set up your unemployment account.

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. The WorkSource Washington portal works on phones and tablets. Go to des.wa.gov in your phone's browser and log in the same way you would on a computer. Some people find it easier to use a computer for filing weekly claims because the form is longer, but logging in and checking your status works fine on a phone.

What if I filed a claim but never received a login confirmation?

If you filed a claim by phone or mail and did not create a WorkSource Washington account, you will need to create one now to check your status online. Go to des.wa.gov, click "Create Account," and use the same Social Security number and date of birth you used when you filed. You should then be able to see your claim.

Is my information safe on the WorkSource Washington website?

The site uses encryption to protect your information while you are logged in. However, do not assume it is completely risk-free. Never click a link in an email claiming to be from EEDD unless you initiated contact first — scammers sometimes send fake emails asking you to "verify" your account. When in doubt, go directly to des.wa.gov instead of clicking a link.