How to pay back unemployment overpayment to Washington ESD - need payment options

Thank you! Do you know if there's a minimum monthly payment amount they require?

It depends on your financial situation. They'll ask about your income and expenses to determine what you can afford. Usually they want at least $25-50 per month minimum.

How long did it take you to finally reach someone? I've been trying for days.

weeks honestly. finally used claimyr.com to get through. they have this system that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual person. saved me so much time

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work?

yeah it really does. there's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. way better than sitting on hold for hours

How do I know if the overpayment is legitimate? The notice doesn't give much detail about why they think I was overpaid.

Request a detailed breakdown from Washington ESD. Common reasons include unreported work, incorrect benefit year earnings, or issues with job separation. You can appeal within 30 days if you disagree.

This is so confusing. Why don't they just explain it clearly in the first place?

Did she end up setting up a payment plan? I'm really worried about this affecting my credit.

Yeah she did the payment plan. It doesn't go on your credit report unless you completely stop paying and they send it to collections. Just make sure you keep up with the payments once you set it up.

How do I apply for a waiver? That sounds like it might apply to my situation.

There should be waiver information included with your overpayment notice. If not, call Washington ESD and ask specifically about overpayment waivers. You'll need to show the overpayment wasn't due to fraud or your fault.

Good luck getting through to them though. I've been trying to call about my own overpayment issue for weeks.

Yes, Washington ESD can garnish wages, bank accounts, and tax refunds for unpaid overpayments. That's why it's important to set up a payment plan or appeal if you disagree with the overpayment.

Wow, I had no idea they had that much power. Definitely going to make sure I handle my overpayment properly.

How much are your monthly payments if you don't mind me asking?

I'm paying $75 a month for a $2,400 overpayment. They worked with me based on my current income. The payment plan is interest-free as long as I make payments on time.

Don't stress too much about it. Washington ESD deals with overpayments all the time and they're usually reasonable about payment plans. Just call them and explain your situation.

Thanks, I'll try calling tomorrow. Hopefully I can get through.

I might have to try that. I've called probably 50 times and either get a busy signal or get disconnected after waiting on hold.

Same here. The Washington ESD phone system is terrible.

Good advice. I'll start a file with all the paperwork.

Yes, definitely. Government agencies can be disorganized and you want to be able to prove what was agreed to if there are any issues later.

Mine says I have 30 days from the notice date. I've got about 2 weeks left.

Then you need to act fast. Either set up the payment plan or file an appeal if you think the overpayment is wrong. Don't wait until the last minute.

Can you pay online or do you have to mail checks?

You can usually pay online through the Washington ESD website or by phone. They'll give you the payment options when you set up the plan.

Common causes include not reporting work or earnings, being disqualified after benefits were paid, or Washington ESD discovering information that changes your eligibility. Sometimes it's their error, sometimes it's the claimant's.

I've been really careful about reporting everything. Hopefully I won't have to deal with this.

That's good to know. I'll ask about that when I call.

Yeah, it's worth asking about. They don't always volunteer that information but they do have some flexibility for people in tough situations.

Agreed! I feel much less panicked about this now.

Good luck with your payment plan setup. It's really not as scary as it seems once you get it sorted out.

awesome! glad that service worked for you too

Great news! Having a payment plan set up will give you peace of mind.

This gives me hope for my own situation. Maybe I should try that calling service too.