Facts of the Case
In 2002 the U.S. began withholding a portion of Lockhart's Social Security payments to offset his debt on federally reinsured student loans that were more than 10 years overdue. Lockhart sued, arguing the offset was barred by the 10-year statute of limitations of the Debt Collection Act (1982). The district court dismissed Lockhart's suit, and the Ninth Circuit affirmed.
Questions
Could the United States offset Social Security benefits to collect a student loan debt that had been outstanding for over 10 years?
Conclusions
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Yes. In a unanimous opinion delivered by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the Court held that the Debt Collection Improvement Act made Social Security benefits subject to offset and that the Higher Education Technical Amendments removed the 10-year limit that would otherwise bar the offset.
Lockhart v. United States - Post-Decision SCOTUScast
SCOTUScast 5-6-16 featuring Erin Sheley
On March 1, 2016, the Supreme Court decided Lockhart v. United States. Petitioner Avondale Lockhart...
Applying the Rules of Statutory Construction
Short video featuring Carissa Hessick discussing Lockhart v. United States
Professor Carissa Hessick of the University of Utah discusses the application of the rules of...
SCOTUS Orders and Opinions: 5/26/2015
This morning, the Court issued several orders and opinions; a brief summary follows: ORDER LIST:...
