Can a Debt Collector Target Your Social Security?

For millions of Americans, Social Security is a vital source of income. However, Social Security alone is often not enough for people to live comfortably and pay off any outstanding debts. If you’re deep in debt, and Social Security is your only income, you might be worried that creditors will start garnishing your Social Security benefits.

Fortunately, Social Security benefits are largely exempt from garnishment. However, Social Security may be garnished if you owe child support or if you owe money to the government. In all other cases, banks must review the debtor’s account before approving garnishment—if less than two months’ worth of federal benefits are left in the account, the bank will deny the garnishment request. However, accounts with more than two months of Social Security payments may be garnished.

If you’re struggling with debt and are having trouble finding a way out, contact the bankruptcy attorneys at Cutler & Associates, Ltd. Our firm has been providing bankruptcy services in Aurora, Schaumburg, and elsewhere in Chicagoland since 1990.