How do I pay unemployment back to Washington ESD after overpayment notice?

Thanks! I definitely don't want my wages garnished. Do you know if the payment plan has any fees or interest?

No interest on payment plans as far as I know, but there might be penalties if you miss payments. Best to call them and get the details.

Oh no, really? How did you finally get through to them?

Honestly, I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. They have this demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much time and frustration.

I'll definitely check that out if I can't get through on my own. Thanks for the tip!

That's a good point. I kept all my pay stubs and I'm pretty confident I reported everything. Should I still try to set up payments while I'm appealing?

No, don't make payments while you're appealing unless you're absolutely certain you owe the money. The appeal process will determine if the overpayment is valid.

This is important advice. I made the mistake of starting to pay before I appealed and it made my case more complicated.

I looked at my claim history and I can't figure out what they're referring to. All my weekly claims show the wages I reported.

Sometimes it's a delay in employer reporting or a discrepancy in what you reported vs what your employer reported to Washington ESD. That's why the appeal process exists.

Did you end up having to pay it or were you able to get it resolved?

got it reduced to like 800 after the appeal but still had to pay something. better than 3k though!

Is there a specific collections number or is it the same general Washington ESD number?

There should be a specific collections number on your overpayment notice. It's different from the general UI customer service line.

Good luck getting through to collections though. They're just as backed up as regular customer service.

Is that service expensive? I'm already stressed about owing money.

It's worth it for the time and stress it saves. Plus they help you get to the right department instead of being transferred around for hours.

That's concerning. Have you had issues with payments not being recorded?

Yes, had to send them bank statements twice to prove I made payments. Always get confirmation numbers and keep screenshots.

I feel for you. This is so stressful when you're already struggling financially.

Payment plans are usually available for financial hardship situations. Make sure to explain your circumstances when you call.

How do you tell the difference? The notice doesn't really explain if it's my fault or their mistake.

The notice should have a reason code that explains the basis for the overpayment. Look for codes like 'failure to report wages' vs 'agency error in benefit calculation'.

Definitely not ignoring it! Just trying to figure out the best way to handle it.

Smart approach. Dealing with it proactively will save you headaches later.

I didn't know waivers were an option. How do you apply for one?

There should be information about waiver requests in your overpayment packet. You have to show it wasn't your fault and that repayment would be a hardship.

Waivers are pretty strict though. Most people end up having to pay something, even if it's a reduced amount.

That's reassuring. I was worried they'd demand the full amount immediately.

They want to collect the money, so they're usually willing to work with you on a realistic payment schedule.

Seems like several people have had success with that service. I might give it a try if I can't get through.

Yeah, it's frustrating that you need a third-party service just to talk to them, but it works.

It's definitely frustrating. You'd think they'd prioritize customer service for something this important.

They've been understaffed for years. COVID made it worse but it was bad before that too.

Perfect summary, thank you! I think I'll start with looking into the appeal process since I really believe I reported everything correctly.

Good plan. Just make sure you file the appeal within the 30-day deadline. You can always work out payment later if the appeal doesn't go your way.

Already started a file with all the paperwork. Good to know I'm on the right track.

Smart move. That documentation can save you if there are any disputes later.

That's a good idea to avoid missed payments. Did you set that up through Washington ESD or your bank?

Through my bank as a bill pay service. Sent payments directly to Washington ESD collections. Made it much easier to manage.

I'm definitely going to try calling on my own first, but it's good to know there's a backup option if I can't get through.

That's the smart approach. The service is there if you need it, but worth trying the direct route first.

Good luck! Hope you're able to get it resolved quickly one way or another.

You've got this! Just stay organized and persistent.

Feel free to update us on how it goes. This information helps other people in similar situations.