Can you be sued for credit card debt if you're on disability?

CBS News
March 24, 2026
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3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Disabled individuals receiving Social Security benefits have specific legal protections limiting what creditors can do to collect credit card debt.

How This Affects You

If you receive disability benefits and owe credit card debt, creditors have limited legal options to collect, and your benefits may have protections against garnishment.

AI Summary

This article examines the legal rules governing debt collection against people receiving disability benefits, explaining which creditor actions are permitted and which are restricted by law. Disability recipients often face financial hardship, making them targets for aggressive collection efforts, but federal protections—particularly those tied to Social Security disability payments—limit what creditors can actually pursue. The key distinction is whether creditors can sue for the debt and, if they win a judgment, whether they can garnish disability income, which generally enjoys stronger legal protections than other income sources. Understanding these boundaries is critical for disabled individuals facing collection calls or lawsuits, as they may have stronger defenses than they realize. The article clarifies state-by-state variations and the specific conditions under which creditors must stop collection efforts.

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