Can a collection agency garnish my SSI?
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Can a collection agency garnish my SSI?
I have fines from a DUI from almost that were sent to a collection agency because I couldn’t pay them.
I’ve recently begun to receive SSI payments and I would like to get my license again. I only receive $514 a month and the fines have grown to over $3,400 since collections has taken over. I’ve already taken 21 hours of prevention and treatment classes, I was ordered to complete community labor hours but because of my back, I can’t handle any physical labor.
Asked on December 19, 2018 under Bankruptcy Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
While there are a few debts or obligations for which SSI can be garnished (e.g. federal tax debts; child support; victim restitution), amounts owed as fines for DUI are not one of them. Your SSI should be safe from garnishment.
However, this will not help you with or exempt you from the community service or labor.
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