Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73
§1717 Assignment of benefits; execution, levy, etc., against benefits
Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 12— - COMPENSATION FOR INJURY, DEATH, OR DETENTION OF EMPLOYEES OF CONTRACTORS WITH UNITED STATES OUTSIDE UNITED STATES › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER II— - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › § 1717
Summary
Benefits under subchapter I cannot be transferred to anyone but the United States. The payments and rights cannot be seized or taken in bankruptcy, except reimbursements for funeral expenses or for workers' compensation–related payments.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §1717
The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The right of any person to any benefit under subchapter I shall not be transferable or assignable at law or in equity except to the United States, and none of the moneys paid or payable (except money paid hereunder as reimbursement for funeral expenses or as reimbursement with respect to payments of workmen’s compensation or in the nature of workmen’s compensation benefits), or rights existing under said subchapter, shall be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process or to the operation of any bankruptcy or insolvency law.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 1717
Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73