How to protect social security from garnishment

I have my SS direct deposited each month, that is my ONLY income, normally I wait until it is in the checking account pay some doctor bills via check and then go to the bank the very same day and withdraw the balance out. Recently I had a small claims judgment against me for $25 a month on a credit card. First payment due 11/13/09, which I am not going to pay because I am engulfed with doctor bills and they come first then food.
I have 2 questions...
#1 how long after the 13th will they get the OK to garnish my checking account????? I have no monies any place else.
#2 According to (Section 207 of the SS act (42 U.S.C. 407) my SS can not be touched, being prepared I called my bank (TDBank) and they said they no not know how to handle this problem, what are you thoughts?

you won't be in default of the judgment immediately after the 13th. work with your creditor if you can...let them know your precise circumstance. i'd think you would have had the opportunity to lessen your load in court - did you not have an opportunity to state your case?

the court would have to issue a garnishment order in order for the creditor to take money from your account. that won't happen overnight.

I have had my SSD garnished for child support way back in the early 1990's. They didn't have to go to the banks, they withheld it right from my monthly check..Social Security Admin actually garnished the monies from my check before it hit the bank. So it isn't up to the bank, it's garnished before it gets there! SSI is different, it's the Federal welfare program and it can't be touched or garnished. SSD can.

born - i believe child support and judgments/liens for debts are 2 whole different things

probably true..I don't know what a lien for debt is!! Gratefully so I imagine!

Hi born,

When you use a collateral to take a mortgage on it, the lender holds a lien on the property. If you do not satisfy the debt, the lender will have the rights to sell off the property. A lien is a kind of security interest which is granted over an item of property. This secures the payment of a debt or performance of any obligation.

Thanks

In Missouri can they garnish S.S. and small retirement on hopital bill? When you and your husband are seperated, and he gives me $500 a month.

i dont believe any state can garnish SS UNLESS you have it deposited into your account and they garnish your checking account

i never heard of medical bills reaching judgement to garnishment.

how much do you owe on it?

Banker, any judgment can result in a garnishment if the debtor doesn't pay. All a creditor need do is return to the court in the event of default on the judgment and request an order for the garnishment.

Social Security benefits themselves cannot be garnished, but if they're deposited in an account, and comingled with other funds, they are certainly in jeopardy.

dear sir, can a veterans disability check and social security be attached by a mortage company (ie bank) in the case of foreclosure? thanks paul

Not at all likely, Paul; you have naught to fear there.