I’m on SSI. Should I Stop Paying My Bills to File Bankruptcy? – John

“Dear Mitch,

I am a 46 year old male. I am on SSI disability. After paying all my monthly bills I am only left with $50.00 for food, gas and prescriptions. The only things I own are a motorcycle and car. I do not have savings so I can not pay a attorney to file bankruptcy.

My question is should I stop paying my bills? I am current on all my bills, nothing past due. But I can not continue to live on $50.00 a month.

John”

Dear John,

Without knowing your entire financial status, including everything you own and everything you owe, I can’t answer the question. I can tell you that no one can touch Social Security money. Put it in a separate account and it will be protected. Government creditors and child support can get at the money.

See a local lawyer for a complete review of your financial status and for a determination of what property is exposed to creditors.

Mitchell Goldstein is an attorney licensed in Virginia. His practice focus is consumer bankruptcy, mortgage and debt defense and technology issues. He is a proud member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and National Association of Consumer Attorneys (NACA). His goal is to educate people with solid advice and give guidance to consumers to help them made decisions that impact their financial well-being.

Legal Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. It is not to be relied upon as legal advice. It also does not create an attorney-client relationship. No such relationship is formed with attorney without a written agreement.