Yes. The SSA can withhold Social Security benefits to enforce your legal obligation to pay child support, alimony or restitution. State laws determine a valid garnishment order. By law, the SSA garnish current and continuing monthly benefits. However, the SSA does not make retroactive adjustments. Moreover, you cannot appeal to Social Security for implementing garnishment orders. If you disagree with the garnishment, you will have to deal with the court that issued the order (family court).