Garnishment of SS for student loan default suspended

Published: April 28, 2020


From: Overton County News

The Trump Administration has put a timely halt on the ability of the government to garnish Social Security benefits to pay for defaulted student loans for an indefinite period during the COVID crisis, reports Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC].

Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the population with outstanding student loan debt. Research conducted by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau [CFPB] shows that, “In 2018, Americans over the age of 50 owed more than $260 billion in student debt, up from $36 billion in 2004, according to the Federal Reserve. Nearly 40% of borrowers aged 65 and older are in default.”

Bob Carlstrom, president of AMAC Action initiative, said, “Forty-five percent of unmarried Social Security recipients and 21% of married couples rely on their benefits for at least 90% of their income. Garnishing that fixed income for student loan debt can have a particularly devastating impact on their lives.”

In a statement issued Wednesday, March 25, Carlstrom expressed AMAC’s appreciation for the decision to suspend the garnishment of Social Security benefits.

“We commend the administration and the Secretary of Education for suspending the ability of the federal government to garnish the Social Security income of beneficiaries for payment of student debt during this challenging time,” Carlstrom stated. “The Secretary has indeed responded to the concerns and pleas of many members – and non-members – of AMAC. This action is a good first step on this issue.”

Social Security benefits are off limits to nearly all creditors, but not the federal government, which can garnish Social Security benefits for certain debts, including federal student loan debt cosigned by retirees.

According to the Federal Reserve, Americans over 50 hold $260 billion in student loan debt. Benefits can be garnished for court-ordered child support or alimony, or for debts owed to the government. For many seniors, however, their monthly Social Security check is both a critical part of, and indeed the safety net, of their income and financial situation.

“We believe Social Security benefits should be protected permanently from student loan default garnishment by any party, including the federal government,” Carlstrom said.