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Can my Social Security disability benefits be garnished for debt?
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TL;DR
- Federal law protects Social Security disability benefits (SSDI and SSI) from most private creditors.
- Banks are required to protect up to two months' worth of direct-deposited benefits.
- Federal debts such as taxes, student loans, child support, and alimony are exceptions and can lead to garnishment or offset.
- SSI benefits generally have stronger protections than SSDI benefits.
- Mixing protected benefits with non-protected funds in a bank account can complicate protections during levies.
- Creditors can still sue for unpaid debts, potentially leading to judgments and collection actions.
- Options like debt settlement, bankruptcy (Chapter 7), and debt management plans can help manage debt while on disability income.