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For many retirees, Social Security provides a critical source of monthly income. While most private debts cannot touch these payments, a handful of specific obligations can still be deducted — sometimes with little warning. Understanding which debts apply can help lower your financial stress and prevent unexpected shortfalls. Knowing your options early may also give you time to reduce or stop a garnishment before it grows.
Here's a closer look at the types of debts that can come out of a Social Security check.
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Unpaid or overdue federal taxes
If federal tax debt goes unresolved, the government can levy Social Security benefits under the Federal Payment Levy Program. In most cases, up to 15% of a monthly benefit can be withheld until the balance is paid or otherwise resolved.
According to the IRS, millions of taxpayers carry delinquent federal tax balances each year, with total unpaid assessments exceeding $120 billion nationwide in tax year 2024 alone. Taxpayers may be able to stop or reduce a levy by disputing the debt or setting up an installment agreement.
Child support and alimony obligations
Court-ordered child support and alimony are among the most aggressive garnishments allowed against Social Security benefits. Depending on household circumstances, 50% to 60% of disposable benefits may be withheld, with an additional 5% possible for long-term arrears.
It's reported that roughly $116 billion in unpaid child support arrears remain outstanding nationwide. Additionally, it's important to note that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is protected from these garnishments, while regular Social Security benefits are not.
Federal student loans
Defaulted federal student loans can also result in Social Security garnishment, even in retirement.
Today, hundreds of thousands of Americans aged 62 and older still carry student loan debt, with the number of people with student loan debt in this age group increasing by 59% between 2017 and 2023. At the same time, garnishments among older borrowers have increased by around 3,000% in less than two decades.
Relief options and sometimes even debt cancellation may exist, but they often require proactive enrollment.
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Federal agency overpayments
In 2025 alone, the Social Security Administration paid out roughly $1.6 trillion in Social Security payments to almost 69 million recipients nationwide. But sometimes overpayment mistakes can happen, affecting about 2 million people annually.
Overpayments can occur when benefits are miscalculated or when personal circumstances change. When this happens, the Social Security Administration is required by law to recover the excess funds, often by reducing future payments.
Recipients generally have 30 days to appeal or request a waiver before deductions begin. The SSA may allow flexible repayment plans if recovery would cause financial hardship, with payments potentially as low as $10 a month or 10%, whichever is greater, but action is required to avoid automatic reductions.
Steps to take if debt is impacting your Social Security payments
If deductions begin, the situation may feel overwhelming, but there are steps retirees can take to regain control. Reviewing notices carefully and responding promptly can prevent long-term reductions, while seeking assistance early can help improve outcomes.
Investigate debt relief options
While most private creditors cannot garnish Social Security directly, other debts may still strain your fixed income. Consolidation, structured repayment plans, or settlement programs may help reduce monthly obligations. Lowering overall debt pressure can make it easier to absorb or eliminate benefit deductions.
Check for hardship and repayment options
Many federal programs include hardship protections for retirees with limited income. Student loan borrowers may qualify for income-driven repayment (IDR), while the IRS offers installment plans and compromise programs that may stop levies on your Social Security benefits. Acting before accounts enter collections often preserves more of your income.
Bottom line
Although most consumer debts cannot touch Social Security, certain government-related obligations can reduce monthly payments significantly. Taxes, child support, student loans, and overpayments are the most common sources of garnishment, but relief options often exist for those who act quickly.
Understanding which debts apply — and how to respond — can help protect your Social Security benefits and preserve financial stability throughout retirement.
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