Can inherited debt impact your Social Security benefits?

MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money Can inherited debt impact your Social Security benefits? We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Angelica Leicht Angelica Leicht Senior Editor, Managing Your Money Angelica Leicht is the senior editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications. Read Full Bio Angelica Leicht May 29, 2026 / 12:16 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google While your Social Security retirement benefits are largely protected, certain types of debt can still be risky. jayk7/Getty Images Millions of Americans are preparing for one of the largest wealth transfers in history to occur as aging parents pass assets down to their children and grandchildren. However, it's important to understand that inheritances don't always come in the form of investment accounts, real estate or cash. In some cases, beneficiaries or family members will also be left to sort through the debt issues their loved ones leave behind when they die, like unpaid credit card balances, medical bills or personal loans.That potential scenario is weighing on some older adults right now, particularly as the economic pressures mount. After all, not only are more retirees relying heavily on Social Security benefits to cover their monthly expenses, but inflation is elevated and climbing, and household debt balances continue to grow in tandem. That combination has stretched fixed budgets thin and has led many retirees to watch closely for issues that could threaten their Social Security income, including those related to inherited debt.After all, our Social Security retirement benefits are largely protected from pr...