collection agency harrassment

three months ago my fiance was killed in an accident up until that time he was helping me with my finances including credit card payments since his death my only income is ssi and public aid the credit card companies have turned my accounts over for collection and the agency calls me 3-4 times a day threatening action i have tried to explain the situation and have written them letters asking them not to call according to the fair collections act since i live on a fixed income what can the collection agency actually do to me? i have personal property just the clothes on my back and a few pieces of furniture and dishes. if i have to pay even $20 a month it would mean my daughter and i would lose our utilities would not be able to have food or anything i live in illinois

[bigun]

Public aid and SSI is exempt from creditor seizure. However, they can sue and get a judgement so if you ever do improve your lot in life, they will be able to collect.
I would suggest a visit to legal aid and inquire about bk. This the perfect time, you have nothing. Clean all this up and begin to rebuild your life.

i am unable to file bankruptcy as i filed only 3 years ago if things would happen to improve in my life i would be more than happy to pay the bills but i don't see that happening as i am severely disabled

I worked for a collection agency and they cant do much of anything to you. They mostly hardly even collect on SSI and Disability. They know you cant pay. Some have small monthly payment plans just so they can get some of this paid. If you ever get a home loan or any property they can then take their money or the property from you. The debt always be out there. Change your phone number. Find out if they are under FDCPA. If they are there are limits to how often they are allowed. Call once in a while and check the status on the account but not from your phone as most collection agencies have caller ID and will call you again. Or, when they call tell them what they want to hear say you will send $50 by the first of the month it puts the account on a hold status and they wont bother you at least till the date you gave them.