What is the name of your state? NY
My bank (checking) account has been frozen by a creditor/law office, due to a judgement on an old credit card bill I am unable to pay due to disability. My SSI/Social Security Disability checks were directly deposited into my account on Friday (I was not aware of the freeze until Friday). I work a part-time job, usually earning $70 a week, to supplement the SSI/SSD payments. All that is in the bank account is the $540 in Social Security and $7 I had in there before the direct deposit. I called the law office, the lady I spoke to asked me to fax Social Security letters, last 3 months bank statements, and my last paycheck. She called me back today, sounding a bit agitated and telling me "I have to call your bank to get this straightened out, and the last two times I called they were busy". She then asked me about repaying the debt, which I completely understand is my responsibility, but she then floored me by asking me if I could pay $400 down and $200 per month. I kindly told her that was an impossibility, and that I would figure out my finances and call her back to let her know what I would be able to pay per month. I am just stunned right now- my fear is that this office will keep my Social Security money frozen (I know they can't take it, but I believe they can keep it frozen) until I agree to a payment arrangement that I know I will be unable to afford. Can they do this? If I have proven to them that I have SS money in the account, must they release it in a timely manner? I just feel completely stuck right now... any advice would be appreciated.
My bank (checking) account has been frozen by a creditor/law office, due to a judgement on an old credit card bill I am unable to pay due to disability. My SSI/Social Security Disability checks were directly deposited into my account on Friday (I was not aware of the freeze until Friday). I work a part-time job, usually earning $70 a week, to supplement the SSI/SSD payments. All that is in the bank account is the $540 in Social Security and $7 I had in there before the direct deposit. I called the law office, the lady I spoke to asked me to fax Social Security letters, last 3 months bank statements, and my last paycheck. She called me back today, sounding a bit agitated and telling me "I have to call your bank to get this straightened out, and the last two times I called they were busy". She then asked me about repaying the debt, which I completely understand is my responsibility, but she then floored me by asking me if I could pay $400 down and $200 per month. I kindly told her that was an impossibility, and that I would figure out my finances and call her back to let her know what I would be able to pay per month. I am just stunned right now- my fear is that this office will keep my Social Security money frozen (I know they can't take it, but I believe they can keep it frozen) until I agree to a payment arrangement that I know I will be unable to afford. Can they do this? If I have proven to them that I have SS money in the account, must they release it in a timely manner? I just feel completely stuck right now... any advice would be appreciated.