Can short-term disability payments be garnished?

All Social Security benefits are exempt from garnishment by creditor judgments. Likewise, all military and federal government pensions and public assistance funds.

Private disability such as workman's compensation would be subject to the laws of the state in which the beneficiary resides. Not all U.S. states allow the exemption of private disability and/or pension benefits from creditor garnishment.

Please note, exempted funds such as SS benefits should not be comingled with other income to avoid the seizure by creditor judgment. It is the responsibility of the debtor to present documentation to the court as to the exemption status of specified monies.