Retirement Social Security

Think Your Social Security Can’t Be Garnished? These 4 Rules Say Otherwise

Learn about four situations where federal law allows Social Security garnishment.

By David Maina

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Jan. 12, 2026

Social Security is often described as protected income, and in many cases, that is true. The program shields retirement and disability benefits from ordinary creditors, so debt collectors cannot tap your check to cover things like credit cards or medical bills.

Still, that protection has limits. In a few clearly defined cases, federal law allows agencies to garnish or offset Social Security benefits. They are narrow exceptions, but knowing exactly where they apply can help you avoid money mistakes that quietly reduce your income.

Below are the situations where Social Security can legally be garnished.

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Unpaid federal taxes

Unpaid federal taxes are one of the clearest ways Social Security can be garnished. Federal law allows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to withhold up to 15% of each monthly benefit to collect delinquent income taxes.

This happens through the Federal Payment Levy Program (FPLP). If you owe back taxes and ignore IRS notices, the IRS can issue a final warning and then begin automatic withholding. A $1,200 monthly benefit, for example, could drop by $180 each month until the balance is paid.

Not everyone is affected the same way. Very low-income beneficiaries are often exempt under poverty-level guidelines, and the IRS must give you advance notice and time to respond before any money is taken.

What typically triggers garnishment is inaction. Filing returns and arranging payments early can stop the levy before it reduces your Social Security check.

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Federal student loans and other federal debts

Federal student loans and other debts owed to the government can also reduce your Social Security check. When a federal debt goes into default, and standard collection efforts fail, the government can step in and offset part of your benefit.

This happens through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) and applies to non-tax federal debts, including:

Defaulted student loans
Unpaid federal fees
Debts owed to the Social Security program itself.

Each month, the government can take 15% of the amount above $750, while the first $750 of your benefit stays protected.

In practical terms:

If your monthly benefit is $750 or less, nothing can be taken.
If your benefit is $1,000, only $250 is exposed, and 15% of that ($37.50) can be withheld.

The key is that these offsets are often avoidable. Income-driven repayment plans, deferment or forbearance, and certain forgiveness or discharge options can stop the reduction before it starts.

If an offset is already in place, you still have options. You can request a review, document financial hardship, and work with your loan servicer to limit or stop the withholding.

Court-ordered child support and alimony

Child support and alimony are among the most common reasons Social Security gets garnished. Federal law requires Social Security to honor court-ordered support the same way an employer would handle wage garnishment.

That can translate into a sizable reduction. Social Security can withhold:

Up to 50% of your benefit if you support another spouse or child.
Up to 60% if you do not support anyone else.
An extra 5% if you are at least 12 weeks behind, raising the cap to 55% or 65%.

These percentages apply to your benefit after Medicare premiums and other deductions. Some states set lower limits, and if they do, those limits apply instead. Social Security only withholds for current support and court-ordered arrears, with current child support taking priority if there are multiple orders.

If you are struggling to keep up with support payments, ignoring notices can make the situation worse. A drop in income or a change in circumstances is a reason to contact the court or enforcement agency right away. Acting early can prevent arrears and reduce the risk of losing a large share of your Social Security check.

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Certain criminal fines and restitutions

Certain criminal court orders can also reach Social Security benefits. When a court imposes fines or orders victim restitution after a criminal conviction, federal law allows the government to garnish federal payments, including Social Security, to collect what is owed.

This does not apply to everyday civil judgments. It affects only beneficiaries who have been ordered to pay fines or restitution in criminal cases. While Social Security law does not spell out exact limits, courts typically apply garnishment rules similar to other federal debts, subject to legal caps.

These cases are uncommon, but they do occur. If a garnishment is in place, review the court order and SSA notices carefully. If anything is unclear, contacting the court or the appropriate legal office can help clarify how the payments are being applied.

Bottom line

Social Security offers strong protections, but it is not completely untouchable. In a few specific situations, federal law allows garnishment, and those exceptions can shrink your check if you are caught off guard.

The best defense is staying ahead of the issues that trigger garnishment. Pay taxes and support orders on time, keep federal loans in good standing, and use relief programs when they apply. If you start to fall behind, act early by contacting the agency involved and asking about payment plans or hardship options.

Knowing where the risks are helps you avoid surprises and set yourself up for retirement with more predictable income and fewer last-minute disruptions.

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