Here are some factors that can take a big slice out of your Social Security check

Federal back taxes: If you owe federal back taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can garnish up to 15% of your monthly Social Security benefit until the debt is paid off. You may contact the IRS to discuss appeal options, including a request for a levy release based on immediate economic hardship. The IRS may release the levy under certain circumstances — say, for example, if doing so will help you pay your taxes or if you make an installment agreement.

Federal student loans: Around 2.8 million Americans 62 and older still owe student loan balances. If you’ve defaulted on your federal student loans, up to 15% of your benefit can be garnished. However, you must be left with at least $750 per month. To stop the garnishment you need to pay in full or, within 30 days of the notice of intent to garnish, negotiate a payment plan or request a hearing.

Alimony and child support: If you owe alimony and/or child support, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may garnish your benefit if ordered to do so by the court. Based on the garnishment order, the SSA will calculate how much to take off each monthly benefit payment.

The garnishment will be limited to the lesser of the maximum in the state issuing the order or the maximum allowed under the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA). The CCPA limit is 50% of the benefit if you’re supporting a second family or 60% if you’re single. An additional 5% can be added to each of these maximums if the original support is more than 12 weeks in arrears.

If you’re in the unfortunate position of being subject to more than one type of garnishment or levy, your Social Security benefit could be reduced significantly. If you’re falling behind on debt payments, it’s best to be proactive and try to work something out with your creditors before it reaches this point.