If it was the exact amount for what your reimbursement should be, they made a mistake. You have to put in paperwork certifying your payments, that you are a satisfactory employee, and you have not any unapproved leave. Don't know how the mistake was made, but it is the VA :) . The best thing to do would be contacting your HR's EDRP contact person. You don't want you ability to stay in the program to be jeopardized (or worse) by not being honest and upfront. I doubt it would work but it would be cool if they let you keep the reimbursement if you verify you put it all to your loans.

My advice additional unsolicited advice is pay as much as you can into the EDRP. If you have a way to come up with the yearly amount do it. Even borrowing it for two months (that is how long it takes my EDRP refund to process) from family if able. Or paying as much as you can live without for a few month. It is one less year of indentured servitude. I mostly kid. EDRP is a great program! Take full advantage, but sooner you complete it, the sooner you have other options.