Bernie Sanders Moves to Protect Social Security Checks From Student Loan Garnishment

Sen. Bernie Sanders plans to introduce the Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026 in September, aiming to prevent the government from withholding Social Security benefits from seniors with defaulted federal student loans.
Under the Treasury Offset Program, the government can currently withhold up to 15% of a Social Security benefit, with the first $750 protected. An estimated 452,000 borrowers ages 62 and older are in default and likely receiving Social Security benefits, according to the CFPB.
Sanders’ proposal comes as student loan defaults have surged, with about 9.5 million borrowers in default as of March 2026. However, similar proposals introduced in 2015, 2023 and 2025 failed to advance, meaning retirees may not be able to rely on the bill for protection if collections resume.