Up to 15 percent of Social Security payments can be levied by the IRS to settle things like overdue tax bills. Payments can also be garnished for child support, alimony, or restitution.
If you default on student loans, the Department of Treasury can withhold up to 15 percent.
On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can't be levied or garnished by private lenders, credit card companies, debt collectors, or medical providers, according to Go Banking Rates.
