Are They Taking Your Social Security? The Shocking Truth About Student Loan Debt in 2025

Okay, let’s talk about something that’s been causing a bit of worry lately. You might’ve heard some buzz about certain folks having a chunk of their Social Security benefits taken away starting June 2025. Sounds scary, right? But it’s not for everyone, so let me break it down for you in plain talk.

Who Are We Talking About?

This mainly affects people 62 years and older who still owe money on federal student loans and haven’t been able to keep up with their payments — basically, those whose loans are in “default.”

If that’s not you, you can probably breathe easy. But if you or someone you know fits that description, it’s worth paying attention.

Why Would Social Security Get Cut Because of Student Loans?

Here’s the deal: The government has this program that lets them take money from federal benefits—like Social Security—to collect on unpaid debts, including student loans. Starting June 2025, they planned to take up to 15% of Social Security checks from those older borrowers who are behind on their loans.

Has This Happened Yet?

Not quite. They did send out notices warning people about this, but the government hit the pause button on actually taking money from Social Security checks in early June. So for now, no money’s been taken.

But heads up — that pause might only be temporary. They’re still figuring things out, and it could start back up later this year.

What Does This Mean for Those Affected?

If you’re in this group, it could mean a smaller Social Security check every month. But don’t worry, the government says they won’t take so much that you’re left with less than $750 a month to live on.

Still, losing part of your benefits can make it tough to pay for everyday stuff — groceries, medicine, bills. So it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

What Can You Do About It?

Here’s the good news: There are steps you can take to avoid having your Social Security benefits cut:

• Check your student loan status. Go to studentaid.gov and see if your loans are in default.

• Talk to your loan servicer or the Department of Education. You might qualify for repayment plans or programs that help fix defaulted loans.

• If you get a notice about garnishment, don’t ignore it! Reach out and ask about your options.

• Keep yourself updated on any new announcements — this situation is still unfolding.

Why This Matters

Social Security isn’t just a paycheck; for many, it’s the main way they pay for everything. So the idea of even a small cut can feel really stressful.

If you’re dealing with old student loan debt and getting Social Security, you deserve to know what’s coming and how to protect yourself.

Right now, the government isn’t taking money from anyone’s Social Security checks over student loan defaults, but that could change soon. If this applies to you or someone you care about, it’s smart to act early.

Want help figuring out your loan status or how to avoid garnishment? Just say the word—I’ve got your back.