Iowa and federal law provide exemptions that allow people to protect basic necessities (minimum income and some property) from judgment creditors. Some types of income, like that from Social Security, unemployment benefits, and veterans’ benefits, are also protected. See Iowa Code sections 627 and 642. More information can be found in the Affidavit of Property Exempt from Execution, form 3.21 available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/court-forms/.