Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Unless you speak up and ask for the court's help, the collectors won't know the source of the money in your account. You can file a claim of exemption with the court since you have limited income. The court will set a hearing at which time you will have to bring proof of your income, receipt of SS payments, bank account(s), and proof of regular expenses. Many courts have self-help centers connected with them. Do not wait to address this.

If the credit card has a judgment they can attach your SS. You will have to file a claim of exemption with the sheriff's department as soon as the attachment is served.