Can a SSI check be attached to collect a government debt?

[catmandu57]

I live on SSI, I went to school in the eighties and took out several student loans, after graduation I made a serious effort to find a job, I lost track of the resumes I sent out and went on several interviews, but, being a middle aged cripple, and smelling like an ashtray, nothing ever took.
After dealing with the frustration, I finally broke down and went on SSI, now I've got bill collectors calling, and I really don't mind, it's about the only social interaction I get, some of them I've had really good conversations with.
The last one has threatened to attach my SSI, now, I end up each month in the hole anyway, and I don't know whether to take this seriously or whether to tell the to shave my head and send me to Iraq.
Damn nazis have got me depressed this morning.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Can you default on the loans?

I mean, it will ruin your credit, but it sounds like you've got worse problems than that if they attach your only income... It's hard to know what your options are without knowing the full situation, but I certainly hope everything works out for you.

[ClintonTyree]

2. Ask them for an offer in compromise................

explain your situation, try an offer in compromise and maybe you can get them off your back. You might end up owing them pennys on the dollar. If that doesn't work, file for bankruptcy. It will be your only way out. It's not fun, but it's better than living in fear and depression forever. Don't give up. PM me if you have any questions and we can discuss it. Good luck.

[catmandu57]

3. There is a way to get it forgiven

I have to go to the dr. and jump through hoops to get it done and quite frankly I don't see where the time I've got left justifys this. You can't declare bancruptcy on student loans, I would have done it already.
I hust need to know whether or not to take this threaght seriously, I'm not worried about my credit, I nuked it with this and the only loan I've gotten since then was a small hardship loan from my bank.

[Sugarbleus]

4. Cat, I don't know what your condition is but

my hubby, who is physically handicapped and drawing SSI since 1979, took out a student loan at College (in the 80's) BY MISTAKE. He thought he was doing the grant thing.

My hubby had a serious head trauma that left him with trouble understanding certain things. Visual probs, memory loss, reading problems....yadda yadda. Anyway, years later they came back to ask for his repayment. I do not remember HOW he got it forgiven but he did.

And NO your SSI cannot be attached by anyone. It's basically welfare.

Again, I don't know what your condition is that you don't think it's worth jumping through the hoops (are you terminal?) If so, just tell them that and get some rest.

BEST OF LUCK, SB :hi:

[catmandu57]

5. I found the information yesterday

I was just so damned bummed out and depressed I could'nt do the work, but I found what I was looking for. Regular straight forword social security can be attached IF one's benefits are over 9000.00 per year AND if the debt is younger than ten years.
SSIcan not be touched, so I'm safe there, these "people" have made a sport out of messing with the poor, I'm waiting for the young lady to call back so I can lay into her.

[Sugarbleus]

6. Cat, my friend, you are so right. The "Collecters" make it

their blood sucking life's work to intimidate and even lie to get people to obey their demands.

WELL DONE on your research! Would love to be a fly on the wall when you share that tidbit of info with the "hounds". :evilgrin:

Very best to ya :hi:

[Sgent]

7. If you really want to have fun...

Get a recording (if legal) of your next conversation, and take her to court for violating the FTCA -- threatening legal actions they can't/won't take. You get the debt forgiven and $1,000 per violation in damages