> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.alternativepayments.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.alternativepayments.io/automations/collections-assist/collections-assist-overview.md). # Collections Assist Overview **Getting paid for overdue invoices just got easier with our new Collections Assist feature. Here's how it works.** *** Say hello to Collections Assist — a handy tool to help you get paid for overdue invoices. Leverage this feature for those sticky situations when customers are unwilling to pay their long overdue invoices. We believe in putting powerful new tools in your hands, and Collections Assist puts money in your pocket instead of writing off an invoice. *** ### **How do I use Collections Assist from my partner dashboard?** 1. **Log into your** [**Alternative Payments dashboard**](https://app.alternativepayments.io/)\ \ From your dashboard, navigate to [Collections](https://app.alternativepayments.io/dashboard/collections) and click on 'Submit for collection' next to the applicable invoice.
2. **Fill out Collection Form**\ \ Enter in notes about the invoice and the customer information as this is required for the collection process. Click on 'Continue to review.'
3. **Submit for Collection**\ \ Review the information to ensure it is accurate and accept the terms and conditions. Click on 'Finish & submit.'
4. **Collection Request Details**\ \ To review progress on the collection submission, simply click on 'Go to collection.'
This will pull up your collection request details, including relevant updates that Alternative Payments will post pertaining to the request in the "Request activity" section.
*** ### **Collections Assist FAQs**
How does Collections Assist work? If invoices are lingering past 30 days overdue, Collections Assist will be unlocked in your partner dashboard. From there, you will be able to submit overdue invoices to collections — it's that simple!
Are there any fees associated? Collections Assist fees are all success-based, with only a 1% service fee upfront to process the initial transaction per invoice. A third-party team will handle collections and if they are successful in collecting the overdue invoice, a 20% - 25% fee is applied and the remaining amount is paid out to you.
How will Alternative Payments collect on overdue invoices? Our third-party team employs a multi-channel approach and gets into contact via text, calling, emailing or in-person. While we handle the intricacies of collections, you can focus on running your business without the worry of overdue invoices.
What are the timelines for a collection request? Once you submit an invoice, our third-party collections team begins working the account and reaching out to your customer. Here's what to expect: * **First customer outreach:** within 2 months of your submission * **Ongoing updates:** every 2 to 3 months after that All updates are posted to the "Request activity" section of your collection request details. To get there, navigate to Collections in your dashboard and click 'Go to collection' next to the applicable invoice. **Please note these timelines are approximate.** Collections can move faster or slower depending on how responsive your customer is and how old the invoice is.
*** ### **Limitations / What Collections Assist Does Not Cover**
Does Collections Assist handle bankruptcy cases? No. Collections Assist does not handle any bankruptcy-related collections. If a customer has filed for bankruptcy, our third-party collections agency will not pursue the claim on your behalf. If your customer has filed for bankruptcy, you will need to coordinate directly with the debtor to be added to the list of creditors. This is a separate legal process — known as filing a proof of claim — that falls outside the Collections Assist workflow.
Can I get a refund on my Collections Assist placement fee if my customer files for bankruptcy? Refund eligibility depends on the timing of the bankruptcy filing relative to your collection request: * **Refund available:** If the customer was already in bankruptcy at the time you submitted the collection request, a refund of the placement fee can be issued. In this case, the placement should not have proceeded, and we can make it right. * **No refund available:** If the customer filed for bankruptcy after you had already submitted the collection request, the fee is non-refundable. To avoid non-refundable fees, we recommend verifying a customer's bankruptcy status before submitting a Collections Assist placement.
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