questions & answers

Question: My 72 year old dad is getting married to a 57 year old woman on disability. We found out she owes a sizeable debt to the government. Will my dad's social security payment be garnished to re-pay her debt or will his retirement/salary be garnished once they file income taxes as a married couple? Thanks,

Answer: According to the Social Security Administration,If you have any unpaid Federal taxes, the Internal Revenue Service can levy your Social Security benefits. Your benefits can also be garnished in order to collect unpaid child support and or alimony. Your benefits may also be garnished in response to Court Ordered Victims Restitution. SSI payments cannot be levied or garnished. Treasury's Financial Management Service can also offset, or reduce, your Social Security benefits to collect delinquent debts owed to other Federal agencies, such as student loans owed to the Department of Education. (http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.01/handbook-0129.html ). Your dad may want to see the advice of an attorney before marrying.