Rules About Taking Money from Pay and Benefits

May 13, 2026, 16:28
USFinance

Introduction

This report looks at the laws about taking money from Social Security and jobs.

Main Body

Prices for food and gas are going up. This is hard for old people. Many old people need their Social Security money to live. Private companies cannot take Social Security money. But the government can. The government can take 15% for taxes or student loans. Courts can take more money for children. Companies can take 25% of a worker's pay for debts. A boss cannot fire a worker for one debt. But a boss can fire a worker for many debts. Banks can also take money if a court says yes.

Conclusion

Private companies cannot take much money, but the government and courts can.

Learning

⚡ The 'Can' & 'Cannot' Power-Up

In this text, we see how to talk about rules using one simple word: Can.

1. Saying YES (Permission/Ability)

  • The government can take money. →\rightarrow (It is allowed)
  • Banks can take money. →\rightarrow (They have the power)

2. Saying NO (Prohibition)

  • Companies cannot take Social Security. →\rightarrow (It is against the law)
  • A boss cannot fire a worker for one debt. →\rightarrow (Not allowed)

💡 Quick Tip for A2: To make a rule, just use: [Person/Group] + can / cannot + [Action].

Example from the text:

  • Private companies →\rightarrow cannot →\rightarrow take money.

Vocabulary Learning

taxes (n.)
Money that people pay to the government.
Example:She has to pay taxes on her income.
government (n.)
The group of people who run a country.
Example:The government made new rules about money.
court (n.)
A place where judges decide legal matters.
Example:The court can take money from a company.
debt (n.)
Money that someone owes to another person or company.
Example:He had a debt that he needed to pay back.
worker (n.)
A person who works for a company and gets paid.
Example:The worker receives a paycheck every month.