Skip to content Social Security Online |
Social Security Handbook |
|
www.socialsecurity.gov |
In order to assure an income for a beneficiary's current needs, Section 207 of the Social Security Act specifically exempts funds from seizure by creditors. However, there are some exceptions.
Funds may be garnished for the legal enforcement of providing child support and alimony as permitted under section 459 of the Social Security Act, and the IRS may levy for taxes owed. In addition, SSA may seek refund of a Social Security or SSI overpayment.
A representative payee is not required to use funds to pay bills incurred by a beneficiary before the first month that payments began being paid to the representative payee. However, a representative payee may do so if the beneficiary's current and reasonably foreseeable needs are met.
If the debt is owed to the representative payee, approval must be obtained from SSA prior to using funds for self-reimbursement.
Questions concerning payment of past debts should be referred to the local Social Security office.
Last Revised: Aug. 2, 2007
Privacy Policy |
Website Policies & Other Important
Information |
Site Map
Last reviewed or modified Friday Feb 01, 2008 |