The short answer: no. Most creditors and debt collectors cannot seize your Social Security benefits, as long as you receive them via direct deposit to your bank account. If you receive your benefits on a prepaid card, these funds are generally safe as well.

Can seniors be sued?

Seniors worry someone could take their money, income, or property to pay the debt for which they’re being sued. If your only income is social security, a pension, disability income or a VA benefit, that income cannot be garnished because it is protected by federal law.

Can a credit card company sue a senior?

Verizon can kiss my a** as far as I’m concerned, but she has a good $20k piled up on credit card debt. Can credit card companies, if they are successful in trying to sue her, garnish her Social Security? She has no other assets, I swear.

Why are so many people sued for credit card debt?

Many people think debt buyers prefer to avoid lawsuits to collect old credit card debts because it requires them to pay lawyers and incur costs of litigation. If this were true, however, credit card lawsuits would be far less common than is the case.

What happens to unsecured credit card debt for seniors?

Unsecured credit card debt does not usually pass to heirs, as secured debt often does. Again, there are a few exceptions such as joint accounts and, sometimes, medical bills. It is important that seniors who have significant debt, and their loved ones, know the applicable laws where they live.

Is there a statute of limitations on suing a credit card company?

Statute of limitations has run out — Every civil lawsuit must be filed within a certain time frame. The statute of limitations vary from state-to-state, but most are in the 4-6 year range. The clock starts ticking on your case the date of your last credit card payment.