A while back I asked a question for my friend who is disabled on social assistance, and was being bothered by creditors. Well, since that time, she has made arrangements with the creditors and is paying them $25 a month towards her debt, which is all she can afford with her low income. The collection agency had a writ against her, but they were not able to collect on it was because she has no bank accounts or other assets. However, she recently found out that she qualifies for the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement, a program that helps disabled people live in a decent apartment / building. She sorely needs this money. The catch is, she now needs a bank account, as the monthly benefits must be direct-deposited. My question is, can the collection agency seize her bank account, even though she has a payment agreement and has been sticking to it?

There is a possibility that she can get the housing supplement mailed to her rather than direct-deposited, but she needs a good reason. Is having a writ from a collection agency a good enough reason? Is her money in jeopardy? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Chava, as far as I know, your bank account cannot be seized or garnished if there are payment arrangements in place. I am under the impression that refusal to pay or make any sort of arrangements is the only way this can happen. In Saskatchewan we have some kind of government agency who can tell you what is legal and not legal. I'll grab the number...

Provincial mediation board: 933-6520 (1-800-215-2222)

I know I found a number on the Sask. Gov. website. Maybe calling that number would help. Let me know and I can look for the other number if you want. They had great information.

Okay, so I went and found the information I thought would help the most. Here it is:

Consumer Protection Branch
Suite 500, 1919 Saskatchewan Dr.
Regina, SK S4P 4H2
Phone: (306) 787-5550 or
1-888-374-4636 (Toll Free in Saskatchewan)
Fax: (306) 787-9779
E-mail: [email protected]

The website was: http://www.saskjustice.gov.sk.ca/cpb/default.shtml

I hope you and your friend get the answers you need.

Thanks so much aqua. I have called Consumer Protection for her before, but not for this particular issue, so I will definitely try that out, thanks!

I will come back and give you some rep when I am allowed to! Blah.