Social Security benefits garnishment rules: For millions of Americans, a Social Security check is the backbone of their monthly budget. But if you’ve fallen behind on certain payments or owe money to the government, that check could be smaller than expected.

Why your Social Security check could be smaller than expected

Wage garnishment happens when part of a person’s income is withheld to cover unpaid debts or missed obligations. This usually comes after months of nonpayment and can apply to unpaid taxes, fines, or defaulted loans, as per a report. While Social Security benefits are often protected, that protection has limits.

Which debts generally cannot garnish Social Security

In most cases, Social Security benefits cannot be garnished to cover non-federal debts like unpaid credit cards or personal loans, as per an Investopedia report. But when money is owed to the government, different rules apply.

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Social Security benefits that are fully protected

Some benefits, including Supplemental Security Income, cannot be garnished. That means creditors and the government cannot withhold those payments to collect debt.

When Social Security retirement and disability benefits can be reduced

Social Security retirement and disability benefits, however, can be reduced under certain circumstances tied to government-related obligations.

If you owe child support, alimony, or restitution, part of your monthly Social Security benefits can be withheld. The same is true for unpaid taxes, the IRS can garnish up to 15% of your monthly payment until the tax debt is resolved, as per the Investopedia report.

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How much the government can garnish from your benefits

Other non-tax debts owed to the US government can also result in garnishment of up to 15% of your benefits. And if Social Security paid you more than it should have, up to half of your monthly check can be withheld until the overpayment is corrected.

What’s happening with student loan garnishments

Federal student loan debt has also been a factor in garnishment. Typically, the Treasury Department could withhold up to 15% of Social Security payments for defaulted federal student loans. However, the Department of Education announced in June that it is pausing future garnishments of Social Security benefits for unpaid student loans.

Why garnishment hits retirees especially hard

Most Social Security beneficiaries live on fixed incomes, meaning their monthly payments are carefully planned to cover basic needs, as per the Investopedia report. Losing even a portion of that check can make it harder to afford everyday necessities.

What to do if your Social Security benefits are being garnished

Because of that, understanding which debts can affect your benefits and which cannot is especially important for people who depend on Social Security to get by.

Garnishments usually stay in place until the debt is paid or addressed, but beneficiaries do have options.

Those who owe money to the IRS can pay the balance in full, set up a payment plan, or request an offer in compromise to settle the debt for less than the full amount owed. It’s also possible to ask the IRS to temporarily delay collection, as per the Investopedia report. If the garnishment is causing immediate economic hardship, contacting the IRS may lead to the levy being lifted and a payment plan being arranged.

For other non-tax government debts, beneficiaries should reach out to the federal agency or state they owe. The Treasury Department can also help identify the correct agency at 800-304-3107, as per the Investopedia report.

If your benefits are being reduced because of an overpayment, you can repay the amount in full or request a waiver if you can’t afford repayment. If the overpayment was due to an error, you can also request an appeal.

FAQs

Can Social Security be garnished for credit card debt?
No, Social Security benefits are generally protected from non-federal debts like credit cards.

Which Social Security benefits cannot be garnished?
Supplemental Security Income cannot be garnished.