First of all, Social Security benefits cannot be "garnished" (i.e. seized) for a payday loan; they are "exempt" funds. Secondly, unless you committed some type of fraud in obtaining the funds, for example you lied on your application or took the money with no intention of paying it back, this is not a criminal matter. In this day and age people do not go to jail for non-payment of a debt.Bottom line, while you still may owe the money and could potentially be sued in civil court, both you and your social security benefits are safe.