Social Security benefits, except for SSI, can be garnished for child support, alimony, or restitution. SSI benefits are protected from garnishment, even for unpaid federal income taxes. The SSI program provides monthly benefits to disabled individuals and seniors with financial qualifications. Other Social Security payments can be garnished for government debts like back taxes or federal student loans. The Treasury Department can withhold up to 15% of monthly benefits for overdue federal tax debts. It’s best to resolve tax debts with the IRS directly or with a tax debt resolution expert.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Can Debt Collectors Garnish Your SSI Payments?