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Best Answer: Social Security benefits are normally considered judgment proof. Which means they can not be garnished (taken) You can still sue them but if the person who owes you money only receives income from social security then you can not collect from them. The lawsuit will remain on record however and if social security benefits stop and/or there is another source of income.
SSI is also for disabled persons, but is specifically for those who have demonstrated a financial need. If you are disabled, you may qualify for SSI whether you have worked in recent years or not. Generally speaking, the best time to file for SSI is as soon as you realize you may have a disability which is likely to last over a year.