Understanding the proposed stop social security garnishment act
Learn how the proposed Stop Social Security Garnishment Act could protect retirees from having federal student loan debt seized from their benefits.
The Stop Social Security Garnishment Act aims to permanently prevent the government from seizing Social Security benefits for defaulted student loans. If you are an older borrower, assess your loan status and explore income-driven repayment plans to safeguard your retirement income from potential future garnishment.
Learn how the proposed Stop Social Security Garnishment Act could protect retirees from having federal student loan debt seized from their benefits.
Yes, under current federal law, the government has the authority to garnish up to 15% of your Social Security benefits if your federal student loans are in default, though administrative pauses may temporarily suspend this activity.
The Stop Social Security Garnishment Act is a proposed bill that would legally prohibit the Department of Education and the Treasury from withholding Social Security retirement or disability benefits to satisfy defaulted federal student loan debt.
The federal government is generally limited to garnishing up to 15% of your Social Security check, provided that the garnishment does not reduce your monthly benefit below a specific federal protection threshold.
You should immediately contact your loan servicer to discuss rehabilitation or consolidation options, as these programs can move your loans out of default and restore your eligibility for income-driven repayment plans.