Yes the IRS can. The Child Support folks can. Essentially any government agency can take this. Private companies cannot touch your check or lump sum though.

Twinkledooter has it partially right.

Yes, your lump sum SSI payment can be garnished by the IRS and for alimony and child support, and to recover debts owed to federal and state agencies.

But in every case, the garnishment can be stopped if you show that such garnishment would cause undue harm to you financially. For example, say you are four months behind on your rent (your landlord agreed to wait for the SSI lump sum payment) and you had other debts incurred while the SSI payment was being processed. Those debts would take priority over the IRS and even over child support, because, unless they are paid, you would be homeless.

As I requested on the other post, I need specifics. How much do yo owe, to whom, and how much will the lump sum payment be?

Why can't I get all my backpay at one time?

NO, They cannot touch it. They can only touch your SSDI. It is not a WAGE. The answer is absoloutley not... (check exceptions for your state and laws)... They give u a small amount, and know you have low income, no they will not. SSDI is much different, they will.