Before you start
Figure out if your money is exempt from a bank levy
Some kinds of money can't be taken in a bank levy (it's exempt). For example, money you need to support you and your family's basic needs is exempt.
Money from certain sources is exempt. For example:
- Social Security
- Social Security disability (SSD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Public Pensions
You can see a more complete list inExemptions from the Enforcement of Judgments (form EJ-155).
If your money is exempt, you must act quickly to stop the bank levy
You must send a Claim of Exemption within 15 days of when you received the Notice of Levy (20 days if you received it in the mail). If you wait longer than this, the sheriff will give the other side the money and you won't get it back.
