ESD Overpayment - How to determine minimum monthly payment amount?

No, they definitely don't expect you to pay it all at once! I had an $8,500 overpayment last year. You need to call the collections department directly at 360-486-5817 to set up a payment plan. They'll work with you based on your financial situation to determine a monthly amount you can afford. In my case, they let me pay $175/month. Just be prepared to discuss your income and expenses when you call so they can assess what's realistic for you.

THEY WONT ANSWER THE PHONE!!! I tried calling that collections dept number like 47 times last month for my overpayment. Always busy or disconnects. ESD is a complete disaster and they make it impossible to resolve anything. Good luck!!!!!

I've helped several clients navigate ESD overpayment plans. Here's what you need to know: 1. You absolutely have the right to set up a payment plan - monthly payments are standard 2. The minimum payment amount is typically 3-5% of your monthly income, but can be negotiated 3. Interest (1% per month) continues to accrue even with a payment plan, unless you qualify for a hardship waiver 4. You can request a waiver application if the overpayment wasn't your fault 5. Important: Get your payment plan in writing once established I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD agent quickly. They've got a service that helps you bypass the phone wait times. I've seen their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) and it's helped several of my clients connect with ESD to set up payment plans.

just wondering how u got such a big overpayment? was it from the pandemic or recent? mine was only $800 and i thought that was bad lol

I recently went through this exact situation with a $15,300 overpayment. Here's my experience: First, don't panic about the total amount. ESD collections will work with you based on your financial situation. I initially couldn't reach anyone by phone, so I sent a detailed email to benefits@esd.wa.gov explaining my situation and requesting a payment plan. They responded within a week and offered me several options: 1. A 48-month payment plan at $320/month 2. A 60-month payment plan at $275/month 3. A custom plan based on financial hardship (required income documentation) I chose option 2, and while the interest does continue accruing, as long as I make my payments on time, I'm in good standing. They provided an online payment portal where I can track my balance. If you're struggling to reach someone, be persistent and try calling right when they open at 8am.

I used Claimyr last month after trying for weeks to reach ESD about my overpayment. Got connected in about 15 minutes! The agent set up a payment plan of $175/month for me based on my income. They even backdated it so the collections notices stopped. Definitely worth checking out their video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 if you're struggling to get through on the phone.

when i had my overpayment i just ignored it for like 6 months lol... but then they started garnishing my wages so dont do what i did! definitely call them asap

Just a quick update on what I mentioned earlier - I forgot to address your interest question. In my case, they did NOT stop the interest from accruing once I set up payments. However, if you can prove financial hardship, there's a separate form you can submit to request an interest waiver. It's not guaranteed, but worth trying if the 1% monthly interest is making it impossible to make progress on the principal amount.

One more important tip I forgot to mention: make sure you keep documentation of EVERYTHING. Every payment, every phone call, every email. I had an issue where their system didn't properly record two of my payments, and I had to provide bank statements to prove I'd paid. Also, if you do get your payment plan established, check your account regularly to make sure the payments are being applied correctly to your balance.