Can social security be garnished?

There are a few specific circumstances in which social security can be garnished. The only creditor that is allowed to place a garnishment on social security funds is the federal government. Garnishments can cover back taxes, default student loan accounts or back due child support.

However, Supplemental Security Income cannot be garnished at all, even by the federal government. Social Security Disability Insurance is the payment that is eligible for garnishment. Creditors such as banks or credit card companies are not allowed to attach a garnishment to any form of social security. Many creditors try to garnish these funds anyway, resulting in an illegal garnishment.