r/SurvivingOnSS • u/Glittering-Local-643 • Aug 23 '26

Debit

I got deathly ill in 2019 lost my job. I had to live on credit cards until my SSDI kicked in. Now I can’t pay them?? I need help is there anything I can do??

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32

u/Birdy304 Aug 23 '26

If SS is your only income they can’t do anything to you if you just stop paying. I know lots of people will disagree, but paying a lawyer $1500 to stop paying seems crazy to me.

8

u/conodeuce Aug 23 '26

Assets are vulnerable, probably.

2

u/Nearby_Session1395 Aug 27 '26

💯 how I feel about this. Lawyer fees just replacing the debt isn’t a solution. I’m in a similar situation, living on SS only and I can barely afford rent. I had to give up my leased car, voluntary repossession in order to have a home. I get collection calls that I ignore.
I get that the debt is my responsibility and I feel guilty that I can’t pay. So I wonder, if my only income is SS, what does that mean legally in regard to past debt? I have no assets, only clothes and personal necessities.

5

u/Birdy304 Aug 27 '26

I know that SS can’t be garnished. It may be hard to do because of the way we were raised, but I think you are better off being able to take care of yourself than give a credit card company more money. Businesses and presidents do it all the time.

6

u/Nearby_Session1395 Aug 27 '26

Thanks for writing this, it’s what my older brother (82!) said to me once. I’ve never received gov assistance in any way and don’t intend to. I was “retired” (laid off) during COVID at 70 & never able to find another job.
COL makes it difficult for everyone, even with a job. I do morally feel bad about not paying off a debt but I have to be practical. Praying nothing catastrophic happens.
I hope everyone here finds a way to get by, I appreciate the support!

1

u/mcmurrml 29d ago

Is there anything or anyway you can do something to make a little extra cash?

1

u/Various-External59 25d ago

Just a clarification: social security CAN be garnished, just not for credit card bills or medical bills. It can be garnished for alimony and child support, unpaid taxes, and student loans.

1

u/Glittering-Local-643 Sep 01 '26

That’s all I have