Ohio Stimulus Checks Protected From Debt Collectors

CLEVELAND — Millions of Americans are waiting for their long-promised stimulus checks. While questions abound about how that money will be used, one thing is for certain in Ohio — stimulus money cannot be targeted by debt collectors.

“The stimulus checks were intended to be used during an emergency – to put food on the table, keep the lights on, and a roof over our heads,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “It wasn’t meant to pay off an old bill.”

In a letter to creditors and financial institutions, Yost warned that COVID-19 stimulus checks are protected under Ohio law from bill collectors and are exempt from state and federal attachment, garnishment or execution.

More reading: Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments: What You Need To Do In Ohio

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act does prevent the stimulus checks from being garnished for debts owed to federal or state governments, but it does not protect the money from private debt collectors. That's why Yost issued the alert about state law protecting the funds — even from private debt collectors.

“Sometimes, state law gives greater protection than federal law,” he noted.

There is one exception allowing the garnishing of stimulus checks in Ohio: if a parent is behind on child-support payments.