Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are vital sources of financial support for individuals with disabilities. But can past due child support be deducted from these benefits?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits
SSDI benefits are designed to assist individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Here’s the key information regarding past due child support and SSDI benefits:
- Protection: Federal law generally safeguards SSDI benefits from most creditors and debt collectors. This means that, in most cases, creditors cannot garnish your SSDI benefits to cover debts like credit card bills or medical expenses.
- Exception: One exception to this rule is that SSDI benefits can be garnished to pay past due child support. If you owe child support arrears, a portion of your SSDI benefits may be used to fulfill those obligations. Other exceptions include past-due federal income taxes and federal student loans on which the borrower is in default.
Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
SSI benefits are aimed at aiding low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled. When it comes to past due child support and SSI benefits, the rules are slightly different:
- Protection: SSI benefits are typically more protected from garnishment than other forms of income. Generally, creditors cannot garnish your SSI benefits to cover debts, including past due child support.
In most cases, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are protected from garnishment by most creditors. However, when it comes to past due child support, SSDI benefits can be garnished to fulfill these obligations. It’s important to be aware of this exception and to work towards fulfilling your child support responsibilities.
If you have questions about your specific situation or need guidance on managing past due child support or other debts, consider seeking advice from a legal professional or a financial counselor. Understanding your rights and obligations regarding government benefits and child support is crucial for financial stability, especially if you rely on these benefits for your livelihood.
For Social Security Disability representation, please contact Sage Disability at 800-316-2794, or www.sagedisability.com, for a free consultation with a disability specialist. If you meet the criteria, a disability specialist will be assigned to walk you through the entire process. With Sage Disability, an experienced SSD specialist will file your application correctly the first time and help you avoid denials, at no out-of-pocket costs to you. You don’t pay unless we win your case. Don’t take any chances when filing or appealing a disability claim. Get help from a disability firm with 50 years’ experience.
Author: Tiffany Beardslee, EDPNA