The Social Security Administration states that, unlike standard Social Security payments, SSDI and SSI payments are safeguarded from levies or garnishments, even if you owe federal income taxes.
SSI and SSDI Concurrent Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two distinct benefit programs known as SSDI and SSI. Although disabled individuals can be eligible for either program, there are notable distinctions between SSI and SSDI concurrent benefits. While they share identical medical standards for disability benefits, they do have differing criteria and prerequisites that need to be fulfilled.
Both SSI and SSDI concurrent benefits and assistance are available to individuals who satisfy Social Security’s disability criteria, which require a significant physical or mental health issue preventing substantial work for at least a year. However, SSDI offers payments to disabled individuals without considering their financial circumstances. Conversely, SSI operates based on financial need. It grants benefits to those who are disabled, visually impaired, or aged 65 or above and possess modest incomes and restricted financial assets.
Individuals can qualify for both SSI and SSDI concurrent benefits, as long as they fulfill the requirements for both programs. This entails ensuring that the combined sum of both payments does not exceed the highest SSI payment amount.
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Can Your SSI Payments Be Seized by Debt Collectors?
As per the Social Security Administration, SSI payments are safeguarded from levies or garnishments, distinguishing them from standard Social Security payments. This protection remains intact even in cases of unpaid federal income taxes.
According to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, while Social Security and SSDI benefits can be garnished for specific government debts like taxes or student loans and support payments, SSI benefits are exempt from garnishment, including for government debts or support payments.
While SSI benefits remain safeguarded against garnishment, various categories of Social Security payments are susceptible to garnishment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) holds the power to withhold a portion of your monthly benefits under specific circumstances. If you intend to challenge a garnishment, it’s important to note that Social Security cannot address this issue directly; instead, you would need to communicate with a lawyer or representative in the jurisdiction where the court ruling was issued, says Go Bank Rates.
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