Why Americans May Have Stimulus Check Garnished By Debt Collectors 03/17/21 AT 11:58 AM The first wave of the $1,400 stimulus check has already been sent out, but some Americans may not have noticed much of a difference in their accounts due to a loophole in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. While the most recent stimulus bill does not allow for funds to be garnished to pay back child support or private debt collectors, the check can be taken by debt collectors to pay outstanding medical bills or unpaid credit card bills, Complex noted. Although the previous stimulus was protected from this loophole, President Biden’s bill was passed through the budget reconciliation process and lawmakers weren’t able to incorporate that layer of protection in the most recent bill.