Can debt collectors garnish my social security disability payments for unpaid debt?

Social security disability payments and other social security income is generally exempt from levies or garnishments. There are a few exceptions to this – mainly for child support, overdue federal tax payments and payments owed to the social security administration for various costs and fees. Medical bills most likely do not fall within an exemption, and as such the debt collectors should not be able to garnish or levy your social security disability payments. If debt collectors are threatening you, they may be in violation of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act or other fair debt collection laws. You should consider contacting your State Attorney General to determine the rules in your state as far as fair debt collection, and the rules regarding garnishment of social security disability payments. An experienced attorney may also be able to answer your questions regarding garnishment of social security disability payments by debt collectors and may be able to help you determine your options for minimizing calls by debt collectors or for dealing with the debt.