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When your Social Security benefits are taken
to pay back money to the Federal Government
When your Social Security benefits are taken to pay back money to the Federal Government
Social Security income is a lifeline for most seniors. Because it is considered so essential for survival, it has traditionally been protected from attachment by creditors. A 1996 law takes away some of this protection. Although the law was passed in 1996, the government is just now starting to implement it.
This is an important change, but it is not a reason for panic. It will not apply to everyone and not all benefits can be taken. Following are answers to some frequently asked questions abut this new program.
What types of benefits can be taken?
Certain amounts of the following federal benefits may be taken:
Social Security Retirement and Disability Benefits
Certain Railroad Retirement Benefits
Black Lung part B Benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is specifically exempt. SSI benefits cannot be taken under this new program.
Can they take my entire monthly check?
No. There are two important limits:
The first $9,000 or $750/month of benefits are safe.
No matter how much money you get, the government will not take more than 15% of your benefit.
Example 1: You receive a monthly Social Security benefit payment of $850. The amount that is offset is the lesser of $127.50 (15% of $850) or $100 (the amount by which $850 exceeds $750). In this example, $100 would be offset.
Example 2: You receive a monthly Social Security benefit of $1,250 or $500 (the amount by which $1,250 exceeds $750). In this example, the offset amount is $187.50 (assuming the debt is $187.50 or more).
Example 3: You receive $700 each month from Social Security. This is less than $750 and therefore nothing will be taken.
Is there anything I can do to fight back?
Yes. You are supposed to get a number of notices warning you that your benefits are going to be taken. These are called notices of offset. You have the right to a hearing with the agency that is collecting the money. For example, if you owe money on a student loan, your hearing will be with the Department of Education. You have the right to challenge the offset or set up a repayment plan to avoid having your benefits taken.
After you get notices from the agency that is collecting the money, you will receive a notice from the Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service. This is the agency that will actually take the benefits. Their number is (800) 304-3107.
Student loan rights
You may have other rights that will allow you to cancel your student loan debt or sign up for an affordable payment plan. You should get legal help to find out more about these options. You can also learn a lot by looking at the Department of Education web site, http://www.ed.gov or by calling the Department’s Student Aid Office at 1-800-4FED-AID. In addition, there is a student loan ombudsman office that will help you once you have tried other options. The ombudsman’s web site is www.sfahelp.ed.gov The toll-free phone number is 877-557-2575.
Advocates seeking more information can call the National Consumer Law Center at (617) 523-8010.
This information was supported, in part, by a grant from the Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. 20201.