Can social security disability payments be garnished to pay off outstanding debt?

Answer by  malone (4817)

The disability payments themselves cannot be attached, but once you deposit it into the bank, it is simply "money" and can be attached by creditors who have judgments against you.

Answer by  Patrick (37)

From years of banking experience the short answer is yes. Once the bank receives the letter, it does not look at the source of the income before it it taken. You can stop this by contacting a lawyer to help in having the garnishment stopped.

Answer by  arlen (30)

Social Security Insurance payments (SSI) cannot be garnished. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) payments can be garnished. In general, the disability requirements for SSI and SSDI are the same; however, SSDI is based on your earning history, while you have to be indigent to qualify for SSI; SSI payments are generally lower than SSDI.

Answer by  John (9008)

A percentage of social security disability payments can be garnished to pay off debts, just like most other sources of income. The amount that can be garnished varies depending upon a number of factors. If too much is being garnished, you can complain at your local social security office.

Answer by  bgrant (58)

No, social security disability payments cannot be garnished to pay off outstanding debt. The main reason is with a 10% employment rate you do not have a higher employment funds to draw from. In addition workers will be less than retirees.

Answer by  Olive (1195)

No-that is to say, a private creditor can't garnish wages to pay off outstanding debt. The federal government could do this, however, say for taxes owed by you.