Savvy Senior: Can a Debt Collector Take My Social Security Benefits?

Dear Savvy Senior,

Can my Social Security benefits be garnished if I have some outstanding debts? I just turned 62 and would like to start collecting my retirement benefits, but want to find this out before I apply.

Worried Retiree  

Dear Worried,

Whether your Social Security benefits are garnishable or not depends on whom you owe. Banks and other financial creditors, for example, can’t to...