Can the Government Take My Social Security for an Old Military Star Card?
A Military Star debt can be taken from Social Security: at most 15%, and never the first $750. The math, the notice rules, and what you can do.
social security garnishment
They Said No Creditor Can Ever Touch My Social Security — Except the Government Can
Private creditors can never touch your Social Security. But the IRS can levy 15% for back taxes, and Treasury can offset it for federal student loan debt.
A Creditor Is Making Me Come to Court to Answer Questions About My Money
A creditor won a judgment and now wants you in court answering questions under oath about your money. Here is what can, and cannot, happen if you go.
I’m Retired on Fixed Income and Debt Collectors Won’t Stop Calling. Here’s What to Do Right Now.
If you’re retired on Social Security, a pension, or VA benefits, federal law protects your income from debt collectors — and gives you a free legal tool to stop the calls permanently.
I’m on Social Security and a Debt Collector Is Threatening Me. Here’s What to Do Right Now.
A debt collector is threatening your Social Security check. Federal law says more than they want you to know — and the threat itself may be illegal.
On Social Security and Being Pitched Debt Settlement? Here’s What They’re Not Telling You
On Social Security and being pitched a debt settlement program? They’re not telling you the most important thing: your Social Security income is already federally protected from most creditors. You may be judgment-proof — and paying thousands in fees for protection you already have.
State Dept Garnishing Social Security: Myth vs Reality
Quick Answer: The State Department can garnish Social Security benefits for federal debts, though most garnishments come from the Department of Education or IRS. Recipients should contact the garnishing agency directly to verify the debt and explore options, as administrative wage garnishments can affect SSI and other government benefits.Question:Dear Steve,In April 2019, I was diagnosed …
Social Security Garnishment: Is This Legit?
Quick Answer: Social Security garnishment for child support is legitimate, but attorney fees may not qualify as child support obligations under Social Security guidelines. The maximum garnishment rate is typically 15% for most debts, though child support can be higher, so the 50% rate appears excessive and requires immediate legal review.Question:Dear Steve,My Social Security Benefits …
Feds Garnishing Poor Seniors: What It Means
Quick Answer: The federal government can garnish 15% of Social Security benefits without a court judgment under the 1996 Debt Collection Improvement Act for unpaid taxes and student loans. However, most low-income seniors don’t know about available programs that can stop these garnishments entirely.By Eric Olsen, Executive Director, attorney, HELPS Nonprofit Law FirmIn 1996 a …
Child Support Social Security Garnishment: What to Do
Quick Answer: Social Security disability benefits can be garnished for child support, with states allowed to take 50-60% of payments depending on circumstances. The Social Security Administration cannot stop court-ordered garnishments, and recipients must work through state courts to resolve payment disputes or errors.Question:Dear Steve,While I was employed, I was paying child support through my …
