If you owe a debt, such as long overdue tax debts or student loan payments, the government can withhold part of your paycheck to repay the amount owed, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

If you collect Social Security, your payments are subject to the same garnishment rules that apply to other types of income. This means your benefits can be withheld to enforce your legal obligation ...

Many retirees assume Social Security is untouchable, but these garnishment rules offer a more nuanced story.

For most retirees, Social Security is an indispensable income source. Although the average retired-worker benefit is fairly modest, tallying just over $2,000 for the first time in the program's ...

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 ...

Missing child support payments, unpaid taxes, or debt to the government could reduce the amount of your next Social Security check. Social Security beneficiaries may have their benefits reduced if ...

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Social Security benefits can be garnished to pay child support, alimony or restitution, plus overdue student loans and taxes. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our ...