What You Will Learn

– When pensions can be subject to enforcement
– How much of your pension must remain untouched
– When and how to challenge enforcement
– How to fix unlawful or excessive deductions
– Tips from a lawyer
– A real-life example

1. Can the bailiff seize your pension?

Yes. A pension is considered income and is subject to enforcement.
The following types may be garnished:

• Old-age pension

• Disability pension

• Widow(er)’s and orphan’s pensions

But the garnishment must respect strict rules. The bailiff (via the Czech Social Security Administration – ČSSZ) must leave you a minimum unseizable amount each month.

2. How much must you be left with?

As of 2025:

• Everyone must be left at least approx. CZK 13,638 (basic unseizable amount)

• For each dependent person, this increases by approx. CZK 3,409

• The rest of the pension can be garnished up to the legal limit

📌 If your pension is high, several thousand crowns may be deducted each month.
If it’s low, garnishment might not be possible at all.

3. When can you challenge pension enforcement?

You can defend yourself if:

• Enforcement affects protected benefits (e.g., care allowance)

• The deductions are incorrect or excessive

• Enforcement was issued against the wrong person

• You are insolvent – in such cases, enforcement is suspended

Legal remedies include objections, motions to halt enforcement, and contacting ČSSZ or the bailiff directly.

⚠️ Common Risks and Mistakes

• Ignoring the problem – many people just wait it out

• Lack of knowledge – people don’t know their rights

• Incorrect deductions – especially when multiple debts are enforced

• Missed entitlements – such as higher unseizable amounts

👩‍⚖️ Lawyer’s Advice

✔ Always check the deduction amount – especially with multiple debts
✔ Check if you’re entitled to a higher unseizable amount
✔ Contact ČSSZ and the bailiff in writing if something feels wrong
✔ If protected benefits are affected – file objections and demand reimbursement
✔ In extreme cases, request suspension or cancellation of enforcement

🧾 Real-Life Example

Ms. Alena received a disability pension and a care allowance. One month, her pension arrived short – and part of the care allowance, which should not have been touched, was seized.

After filing objections and contacting ČSSZ, the funds were returned.
Had she done nothing, she would have continued losing money illegally each month.