Wage Garnishment Limits by State: Complete 2024 Guide

Facing a lawsuit for unpaid debt can feel overwhelming. If a creditor wins a judgment against you, they can garnish your wages. Understanding your state’s garnishment limits protects your income and helps you plan ahead.

Wage garnishment means a portion of your paycheck goes directly to creditors. Each state sets different rules about how much creditors can take. Federal law provides baseline protections, but many states offer even stronger safeguards.

You have rights during the wage garnishment process. Creditors must notify you before garnishing your wages. You can dispute the garnishment if you believe you don’t owe the debt. Social Security and veteran benefits are exempt from garnishment in most cases.

Your employer cannot fire you for one wage garnishment. However, federal law doesn’t protect you if you face multiple garnishments. Some states provide stronger employment protections than federal law requires.

Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt lawsuits and protect your wages from collectors.

Federal Wage Garnishment Limits

Federal law limits wage garnishment to the lesser of two amounts. Creditors can take 25% of your disposable earnings. They can also take the amount by which your weekly earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage.

Disposable earnings are what remains after legally required deductions. These include federal, state, and local taxes, Social Security, and unemployment insurance. Voluntary deductions don’t count when calculating disposable earnings.

Different rules apply for child support, alimony, student loans, and taxes. These debts can allow higher garnishment percentages. Child support and alimony garnishments can reach up to 60% of disposable income.

State Wage Garnishment Limits

Many states follow federal limits exactly. Others provide additional protections for workers. Some states completely prohibit wage garnishment for consumer debts.

States with Enhanced Protections

Several states limit garnishment to less than the federal maximum. These states recognize that workers need more of their paychecks to survive.

New York limits garnishment to 10% of gross wages. The state also protects the first 30 times the minimum wage from garnishment. If your income falls below this threshold, creditors cannot garnish your wages at all.

Massachusetts caps garnishment at 15% of gross wages. The state protects disposable income less than 50 times the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher.

Illinois allows garnishment of only 15% of gross wages. The state also protects the amount remaining after deducting 45 times the Illinois minimum wage.

New Jersey adjusts limits based on income. Workers earning less than 250% of the federal poverty level face only 10% garnishment. Those earning more face up to 25% garnishment.

States Prohibiting Consumer Debt Garnishment

South Carolina prohibits private parties from garnishing wages for consumer debt. Only government entities can garnish wages for certain obligations like taxes and child support.

Pennsylvania restricts garnishment by debt type. Back rent is limited to 10%. Student loans max out at 15%. Federal and state taxes follow their own rules.

States Following Federal Limits

Many states apply federal garnishment rules without modification. These include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

Even in federal limit states, you maintain important rights. You can challenge incorrect garnishment amounts. You can claim exemptions for certain income sources.

Special State Garnishment Rules

Some states impose unique restrictions that offer additional protections. Understanding these rules helps you maximize your take-home pay.

Single Garnishment Limitations

Delaware and District of Columbia permit only one wage garnishment at a time per individual. If you already have a garnishment, new creditors must wait their turn.

Florida also limits garnishment to one creditor at a time. The state’s head of household exemption provides even stronger protection. If you’re the household head and earn less than $750 weekly, your wages are completely exempt.

Income-Based Protections

Montana uses tiered protection levels. Weekly earnings below $217.50 are completely protected. Earnings between $217.50 and $290.00 face limited garnishment. Only amounts above $217.50 can be taken in this range.

Iowa limits annual garnishment by income level. Workers earning under $12,000 annually face a maximum $250 garnishment per year. The limit increases with income but caps at 10% for those earning over $50,000.

Wisconsin protects workers receiving welfare benefits. If you’ve received any welfare in the past six months, your wages cannot be garnished. Households below the federal poverty line also receive complete protection.

Head of Household Exemptions

Florida provides strong head of household protection. If you’re the primary income earner and make under $750 weekly, creditors cannot garnish your wages. You must provide more than half the support for a child or other dependent.

Missouri also offers enhanced protection for heads of household. The exemption limits vary based on family size and income.

Employment Protections

Federal law prohibits firing workers for a single garnishment. Multiple garnishments can result in termination under federal law. Many states provide stronger protections.

Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming prohibit termination for multiple garnishments. Your job remains protected regardless of how many creditors garnish your wages.

Washington and Wisconsin allow termination only after three or more garnishments in one year.

Detailed State-by-State Garnishment Limits

Alabama

• Federal limits apply
• Up to 25% of disposable weekly earnings

Alaska

• Up to 25% of disposable weekly earnings
• At least $350 of weekly net earnings protected

Arizona

• Federal limits apply
• 25% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 30 times minimum wage

Arkansas

• Federal limits apply
• Standard 25% or 30x minimum wage threshold

California

• Federal limits apply
• Strong debtor protections for certain income types

Colorado

• Federal limits apply
• 25% maximum on disposable earnings

Connecticut

• 25% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 40 times federal or state minimum wage
• State minimum wage is $15.00/hour as of 2024

Delaware

• Federal limits apply
• Only one wage garnishment permitted per individual at a time

District of Columbia

• No garnishment for those earning 40 times DC minimum wage ($15/hour) or less
• Only one wage garnishment permitted per individual
• Federal limits apply when garnishment is allowed

Florida

• Only one wage garnishment permitted at a time
• If disposable income is less than 30 times federal minimum wage, wages cannot be garnished
• Head of Family Exemption: If you’re head of household earning less than $750 weekly, wages are exempt

Georgia

• Federal limits apply
• Standard 25% or 30x minimum wage calculation

Hawaii

• Calculated on monthly disposable income
• 5% on first $100, 10% on next $100, 25% on amounts over $200 monthly

Idaho

• Federal limits apply
• Up to 25% of disposable weekly earnings

Illinois

• 15% of gross wages or disposable income after deducting 45 times Illinois minimum wage
• Significantly lower than federal limits

Indiana

• Federal limits apply
• Court may reduce garnishment below 25% if debtor shows hardship
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

Iowa

• Annual limits per creditor based on income:
• Below $12,000: up to $250
• $12,000-$15,999: up to $400
• $16,000-$23,999: up to $800
• $24,000-$34,999: up to $1,500
• $35,000-$49,999: up to $2,000
• $50,000+: no more than 10% of wages
• Cannot be terminated for multiple garnishments

Kansas

• Federal limits apply
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

Kentucky

• Federal limits apply
• 25% of disposable earnings standard

Louisiana

• Federal limits apply
• Standard federal calculation method

Maine

• Less than 25% of disposable income or amount exceeding 40 times state minimum wage ($13.80/hour in 2024)
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

Maryland

• Federal limits apply in Queen Anne’s, Kent, Worcester, and Caroline counties
• In other counties: lesser of 25% of weekly disposable income or amount exceeding $145 weekly
• Cannot be terminated for one garnishment per year

Massachusetts

• Up to 15% of gross wages
• Disposable income less than 50 times federal or state minimum wage protected (whichever is higher)
• State minimum wage is $15.00/hour in 2024

Michigan

• Federal limits apply
• State law prohibits termination for multiple garnishments
• Federal law still permits termination in some cases

Minnesota

• Federal limits apply
• Standard 25% calculation

Mississippi

• Federal limits apply
• Cannot be terminated for child support garnishment
• 30-day grace period after court order before garnishment begins

Missouri

• Federal limits apply
• Heads of household receive enhanced protections

Montana

• Earnings under $217.50 weekly are fully protected
• Weekly earnings $217.50-$290.00: only amount above $217.50 can be garnished
• Earnings over $290.00 weekly: up to 25% can be garnished

Nebraska

• Federal limits apply
• Standard calculation method

Nevada

• Less than 25% of disposable income or amount exceeding 50 times federal minimum wage
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

New Hampshire

• Protects disposable earnings up to 50 times federal minimum wage ($362.50 weekly)
• Amount above threshold subject to garnishment

New Jersey

• Up to 10% if earning less than 250% of federal poverty level for household size
• Up to 25% if earning more than 250% of federal poverty level
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

New Mexico

• Less than 25% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 40 times federal minimum wage
• Standard federal calculation

New York

• 10% of gross wages or 25% of disposable income exceeding 30 times minimum wage, whichever is lower
• If income is less than 30 times minimum wage, wages cannot be garnished
• One of the most protective states for debtors

North Carolina

• Federal limits apply for most garnishments
• NC Department of Revenue limited to 10% of gross wages

North Dakota

• Less than 25% of disposable income or when weekly income exceeds 40 times minimum wage
• Standard federal approach

Ohio

• Federal limits apply
• Cannot be terminated for one garnishment per year or child support garnishment

Oklahoma

• Federal limits apply
• Cannot be terminated unless facing more than two garnishments per year

Oregon

• Federal limits apply
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

Pennsylvania

• Limits vary by debt type:
• Back rent: limited to 10%
• Child support: up to 60%
• Student loans: up to 15%
• Federal taxes: depends on dependents and deductions
• State taxes: up to 10%

Rhode Island

• 25% of disposable income or amount exceeding 30 times federal minimum wage
• Federal calculation method

South Carolina

• Private parties prohibited from garnishing wages for consumer debt
• Federal limits apply for government garnishments
• Cannot be terminated for consumer debt garnishment

South Dakota

• 20% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 40 times federal minimum wage
• Less $25 weekly for each dependent living with employee

Tennessee

• Lesser of 25% of disposable income or amount exceeding 30 times federal minimum wage
• Additional $2.50 weekly protected for each in-state dependent

Texas

• Federal limits apply
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

Utah

• 25% of weekly disposable earnings or amount exceeding 30 times federal minimum wage
• Standard federal approach

Vermont

• Less than 25% of disposable income (only 15% for consumer credit debts)
• Protects amount not exceeding 30 times minimum wage (40 times for consumer credit)
• Cannot be terminated for wage garnishment

Virginia

• 25% of weekly disposable earnings or amount exceeding 40 times federal minimum wage
• Federal calculation method

Washington

• Less than 25% of weekly disposable earnings or amount exceeding 35 times minimum wage
• Cannot be terminated unless three or more garnishments in one year

West Virginia

• Less than 20% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 30 times federal minimum wage
• Lower percentage than federal limit
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

Wisconsin

• Wages protected if received welfare benefits in last six months
• No garnishment if household income below federal poverty line
• No garnishment if 25% already garnished for child support
• Payday loan holders cannot garnish wages
• Limits are 20% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 30 times federal minimum wage
• Cannot be terminated unless three or more garnishments in one year

Wyoming

• Federal limits apply
• Cannot be terminated for multiple wage garnishments

How to Stop or Reduce Wage Garnishment

You’re not powerless when facing wage garnishment. Several strategies can stop or reduce the amount taken from your paycheck.

Respond to the Lawsuit

Many wage garnishments happen because debtors ignore lawsuits. Creditors win default judgments when you don’t respond. You have 21-30 days to file an Answer to the complaint.

Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer quickly. Filing forces the creditor to prove you owe the debt. Many collection lawsuits contain errors or lack proper documentation.

Claim Exemptions

Even after a judgment, you can claim exemptions. File an exemption claim with the court if garnishment would cause severe hardship. Explain why you need more of your paycheck to cover basic living expenses.

Common exemption grounds include:

• Head of household status
• Income below state thresholds
• Receipt of public benefits
• Extreme financial hardship

Negotiate a Payment Plan

Contact the creditor before garnishment begins. Many creditors prefer voluntary payment plans over garnishment. You might negotiate a lower monthly payment without court involvement.

Payment plans preserve your income and avoid wage garnishment fees. Your employer won’t know about the debt. You maintain more control over your finances.

File for Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy immediately stops wage garnishment through automatic stay. Chapter 7 can discharge the underlying debt entirely. Chapter 13 replaces garnishment with a manageable payment plan.

Bankruptcy affects your credit but provides real relief. Weigh the long-term benefits against the credit impact. Consult a bankruptcy attorney to explore your options.

Challenge the Garnishment

File an objection if the garnishment amount exceeds state limits. Courts can reduce garnishment to proper levels. You can also challenge garnishment of exempt income sources.

Common grounds for challenging garnishment include:

• Creditor calculated amount incorrectly
• Income source is exempt
• Garnishment exceeds state limits
• You already have the maximum number of garnishments

Understanding Disposable Earnings

Garnishment limits apply to disposable earnings, not gross pay. Knowing the difference helps you calculate maximum garnishment amounts.

Disposable earnings are what remains after mandatory deductions. Mandatory deductions include federal income tax, state income tax, local income tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, and state unemployment insurance.

Voluntary deductions don’t reduce your disposable earnings for garnishment purposes. These include health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, union dues, and voluntary savings plans.

Example calculation: You earn $800 weekly. Mandatory deductions total $200. Your disposable earnings are $600. Federal limits allow garnishment of up to $150 (25% of $600).

Special Rules for Different Debt Types

Garnishment limits vary based on debt type. Some obligations allow higher garnishment percentages than consumer debts.

Child Support and Alimony

Family support obligations have higher limits. Garnishment can reach 50% of disposable income if you support another spouse or child. If you don’t support others, garnishment can reach 60%.

Add 5% if support payments are more than 12 weeks overdue. Maximum garnishment reaches 65% for those without current dependents and overdue payments.

Federal Student Loans

The Department of Education can garnish up to 15% of disposable income. Administrative garnishment doesn’t require a lawsuit. You receive notice and opportunity to dispute before garnishment begins.

Rehabilitation programs can stop student loan garnishment. You make nine voluntary payments over 10 months. The loan exits default status and garnishment stops.

Federal Taxes

The IRS uses different calculation methods. Tax garnishment depends on your filing status, dependents, and standard deduction. The IRS provides tables showing exempt amounts.

Tax garnishment can take nearly all your disposable income. The IRS leaves only a minimal amount for living expenses. Setting up an installment agreement prevents wage garnishment.

State Taxes

State tax agencies follow state-specific rules. Some states limit tax garnishment to 10% of gross wages. Others use federal methods or their own calculations.

Contact your state tax authority immediately if you receive garnishment notice. Payment plans often prevent garnishment from starting.

How Employers Handle Wage Garnishment

Understanding the employer’s role helps you know what to expect. Employers must comply with garnishment orders or face penalties.

Your employer receives a garnishment order from the court or creditor. The order specifies the amount to withhold from each paycheck. Your employer must begin withholding within one or two pay periods.

Withheld amounts go directly to the creditor or court. You never see this money in your paycheck. Garnishment continues until the debt is paid or the order is lifted.

Employers may charge an administrative fee for processing garnishment. State law governs whether employers can charge you this fee. Fees typically range from $5 to $25 per pay period.

Your employer cannot retaliate against you for wage garnishment. Federal law protects you from termination for a single garnishment. Some states provide broader protections for multiple garnishments.

Protecting Your Rights During Garnishment

You maintain important rights even after garnishment begins. Knowing these rights helps you protect your income and challenge improper garnishment.

Right to Notice

You must receive notice before garnishment begins. The notice explains the debt, garnishment amount, and your right to object. Notice typically comes 10-30 days before garnishment starts.

Read garnishment notices carefully. Verify the creditor’s identity and debt amount. Check calculation of garnishment percentage. Confirm your employer’s information is correct.

Right to Object

You can file an objection to wage garnishment. Common objection grounds include incorrect amount, exempt income, and debt already paid. File your objection before the deadline shown in the notice.

The court schedules a hearing on your objection. Bring evidence supporting your claims. The judge can reduce, stop, or modify the garnishment.

Right to Claim Exemptions

Certain income sources are exempt from garnishment. Social Security benefits, disability payments, veterans’ benefits, and workers’ compensation cannot be garnished for most consumer debts.

Retirement account funds are also protected in most states. If exempt income is deposited in your bank account, you may need to prove the source to stop garnishment.

Right to Challenge Calculation

Creditors sometimes miscalculate garnishment amounts. Your employer might make errors in withholding. Challenge incorrect calculations by filing a motion with the court.

Provide pay stubs showing correct gross and disposable earnings. Demonstrate that garnishment exceeds state or federal limits. Request refund of excess amounts already withheld.

What Happens to Multiple Garnishments

You might face garnishment orders from multiple creditors. State and federal laws determine priority and maximum combined garnishment.

Most states limit total garnishment to the maximum percentage. If one creditor already garnishes 25%, additional creditors must wait. The first garnishment must be satisfied before the next begins.

Child support takes priority over other garnishments. Support garnishment happens first, up to 50-65% of disposable income. Consumer debt garnishment applies only to remaining income.

Federal tax garnishment also takes priority. The IRS can garnish before or alongside state garnishments. Combined garnishment can leave you with very little take-home pay.

Some states permit concurrent garnishments from different creditors. Each creditor gets a portion up to the total maximum. Your total withholding still cannot exceed state limits.