civil summons

Some courts require you to file a formal answer to the complaint, some courts only require you to file an appearance, while other courts just want you to show up on the court date. You should read the summons and follow its instructions, or if you don't understand it then call the court clerk and ask them what you need to do.

In the least you should show up, if anything to make them prove that you owe the debt. If you don't show at all, they will automatically get a judgment against you. Who knows, they may not have good evidence and unable to prove you owe them money...

If they do get a judgment, obviously you don't have any wages to garnish. But think about the future ... do you ever plan on going back to work? Even though they can't force you to pay it right now, it will sit there and earn interest. If you're working 5-10 years from now, they'll go in for a garnishment then, and you'll owe all that interest.

If at all possible, I would at least suggest giving them maybe $15-25/month just so you can slowly work the balance down.