What will happen if I am being sued for old credit card debt?

Your SSI is likely exempt from garnishment. Unless you have personal property of unusual value your possessions are also likely exempt. (Exemption statutes vary from state to stateI practice in Colorado.) That said a creditor can be an incredible pain. You should check out legal aid. They may be able to find an attorney who will represent you no-fee or low-fee.

You could file a chapter 7 bankruptcy and discharge the debt or you could let them get a judgment. If they get a judgment they can't garnishment your SSI until it is deposited into your account. I am happy to discuss these issues with you. Please call to schedule a free consultation.

You can be sued for credit card debt. Social security income is protected from creditors. I advise that you seek advice from a bankruptcy attorney to be fully informed of your rights and options.

There is nothing they can take from you but if you stopped paying the credit card over 4 years ago you might win the lawsuit by answering the complaint and putting in the answer that the debt is no longer valid because of the statute of limitations. You are eligible to have the court waive the filing fee for the answer because you are on SSI. However, you need to find someone to help you prepare the answer and it must be filed within 30 days of the date you were served with the summons and complaint. Bankruptcy is also an option you might want to explore with a bankruptcy attorney, particularly if you want to wipe out all your debts and don't want any more phone calls, letters and lawsuits.

If you are receiving SSI disability that is not available for judgment creditors to collect. It is fully protected, just like your personal property and furnishings.

They can't touch SSI. Just be sure it's in an account that has no other source if funds. Your personal property is probably all exempt. If they win they can record a judgment which will continue to earn interest. How old is the debt, from the original creditor? If outside the statute of limitations, they can't get a judgment, though you'll have to go to court. And the creditor can't count from the time they bought the debt, so ask the judge to make them prove it.

Sit down with a lawyer. You may have defenses, or may be able to bankrupt. And the SSI should be safe (but take care as to where it is put).