Do I have to file for bankruptcy if I'm on SSI disability and own no assets?

Good question! As long as only social security is deposited into your bank account, no creditor can take it under state laws. Other assets that are protected by state laws include your vehicle (up to $15K), your furniture and wearing apparel ($12K), your jewelry ($5K), as well as other items. I urge you to have a conversation with your bank manager to be aware of bank policy when a judgment comes in.

In most ways, you do not need to file. Creditors cannot garnish SSI benefits (unless you owe child support). So, they can do limited things with a judgment. However, if you have an asset with a value that exceeds the state permitted exemption amount (i.e. your car is worth $10K- assuming no loans on it; and Idaho's vehicle exemption is $7K), the creditor with a judgment could try to grab the car, sell it, give you your $7K, and take the rest.

Probably not. If your only income is Disability it is most likely exempt and you are judgment proof.

You can't afford to pay the $15,000.00 not the attorney fee. Don't own a car they may take it. Don't have a bank account they may attempt to seize it. Don't own anything or have your name on it.

You are what is referred to as judgment proof. That means that even if a judgment is filed against you, it is not collectable. Your SSI cannot be garnished. But, that being said, a creditor still might attempt to levy your bank account and you will need to be vigilant in informing the creditor, the bank, and the sheriff they all of the funds in your account are SSI. In order to avoid even a judgment, you should write to the creditor and tell them you are on SSI and send them proof of such. That is no guarantee that a creditor won't sue you, but generally they don't want to spend the money suing on a non-collectible judgment. The other option you might have, is to contact your local County Bar Association and see if they have a pro bono program. Many County Bar Associations have such, and they have attorneys, or have clinics where your bankruptcy will be prepared for free. Based on the income you say you're getting, you should qualify for a free bankruptcy from a pro bono program, if your County Bar Association has one available. Good luck.

You should counsel with an attorney, the question is not only your income sources, but also your assets.