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Is Your Social Security Check Protected From Collection Liens?

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Yes,  The State of California has a statutory homestead exemption of at least $75,000 of equity in your primary residence.  If you are disabled, a senior citizen or have dependents your amount may be higher.

In other words, Creditors are not able to attach a lien to your social security check, nor money in a bank account if it is funded solely by your social security.

However, your creditor can bring you to court, every few months, to answer questions about your finances in order to make sure that your financial situation has not changed. You must attend the hearings and bring in your most current financial documentation to explain your income and assets, so that they can determine if you have any income or assets that are not exempt.  If it is found that you have income and assets that are not exempt than your creditor can go after that.

Published: November 13, 2012

Updated: March 28, 2025


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