Escrow surplus

[frankie]

Hi there. I've been reading for a long time but have never found the need to post a question. Today is the day!

I just received my escrow analysis and there is a surplus of over $2000. Last year, there was a surplus of $1800. Last year I did not get the surplus as I was behind on my mortgage. We were trying to get a modification. It didn't work, and we ended up filing ch 13 in november of 2009. We are still behind on the mortgage as the arrears are being paid through the ch. 13. I am curious what happens to the surplus every year since they aren't giving it to us. It doesn't appear that it has been used to cure any arrears either. It is a lot of money so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this. Thanks so much!

[momofthree]

When I've had a surplus in the past, they've either lowered my escrow payment until it evened out or mailed me a refund check. They let me choose which I wanted to do each time this has happened. However, since you're in arrears, the protocol may be different.