Reading Room Document

Garnishment of Federal Workers' Compensation Payments and Tennessee Valley Authority Retirement Payments

This document discusses the legality of garnishing federal workers' compensation, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) retirement payments, and salaries and benefits of "private roll" employees of the Smithsonian Institution. The conclusion reached is that workers' compensation and TVA retirement payments are subject to garnishment, while the status of the Smithsonian's "private roll" employees is more complex and requires further information. The questions presented for review include the legality of including federal workers' compensation payments as remuneration subject to garnishment, whether TVA retirement payments are considered remuneration, and whether the salaries and benefits of the Smithsonian's "private roll" employees can be subjected to garnishment under proposed regulations. The document also requests further information and views from the General Counsel of the Smithsonian to address the complex legal status of the institution and its employees.

July 3, 1979