129.Benefits Not Transferable

129.1Can you transfer future Social Security benefits?

No, you cannot transfer your future Social Security benefits and SSI payments to someone else.

129.2Can your Social Security benefits be levied or garnished?

If you have any unpaid Federal taxes, the Internal Revenue Service can levy your Social Security benefits. Your benefits can also be garnished in order to collect unpaid child support and or alimony. Your benefits may also be garnished in response to Court Ordered Victims Restitution. SSI payments cannot be levied or garnished. Treasury's Financial Management Service can also offset, or reduce, your Social Security benefits to collect delinquent debts owed to other Federal agencies, such as student loans owed to the Department of Education.

129.3Can you voluntarily withhold money to meet your tax liability (voluntary tax withholding)?

You may ask to have a percentage of your monthly payment amount withheld and paid each month to the Internal Revenue Service to help meet your Federal income tax liability.

129.4What types of payments are not subject to voluntary tax withholding?

The following types of payments are not subject to voluntary tax withholding:

1. SSI payments;

2. Black Lung payments;

3. Lump-sum Death Payments; and

4. Returned check re-issuances.