Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
(855) 411-2372
Submit a Complaint
Search

Can a debt collector garnish my federal benefits?

No, in most cases debt collectors and creditors cannot garnish federal benefits.

Federal law protects or “exempts” certain funds or benefits from garnishment. Federally exempt benefits include:

  • Social Security benefits
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
  • Veteran’s benefits
  • Civil service and federal retirement and disability benefits
  • Servicemember pay
  • Military annuities and survivor benefits
  • Federal student aid
  • Railroad retirement benefits
  • Financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

These federal benefits remain exempt from garnishment when directly deposited to your bank account. However, you may have to go to court to assert that protection. Certain federal benefits, such as Social Security, SSI, and Veterans Assistance, have additional protections under federal law when those funds are deposited into a bank account or onto a prepaid card.  

Warning: Some of these benefits may be garnished if your debt is for federal taxes, a federal student loan, or child support.

Don't see what you're looking for?

Browse related questions

Was this answer helpful to you?

Please do not share any personally identifiable information (PII), including, but not limited to: your name, address, phone number, email address, Social Security number, account information, or any other information of a sensitive nature.