A court-ordered process where your employer withholds a portion of your earnings and sends it directly to a creditor or government agency to satisfy a debt.
Wage Garnishment Calculator
State guidelines research · April 2026 · Editorial standards
Reviewed by TheLegalCalc Editorial TeamLegal disclaimer
Legal information only. Results are estimates for planning purposes and do not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time. Always consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Find out how much of your paycheck can legally be garnished under federal and state law.
Your gross pay minus legally required deductions (taxes, Social Security, Medicare)
How this Wage Garnishment calculator works
Federal law under Title III of the Consumer Credit Protection Act limits how much of your disposable earnings can be garnished each pay period. The limit depends on the type of debt: consumer debts ar...
Wage Garnishment laws across the U.S.: what you need to know
Federal baseline rules often apply nationwide, but state statutes, court rules, and agency practice can change amounts, deadlines, and remedies. Choose your state in the calculator to read jurisdiction-specific context. Always confirm current law with a licensed attorney in your state.
Frequently asked questions
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which earnings exceed 30× the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. States may set lower limits.
Consumer debts (credit cards, medical bills), child support, student loans, and tax debts can all result in wage garnishment after a court judgment.
Federal law prohibits employers from firing an employee for a single garnishment. However, this protection does not extend to multiple garnishments.
Options include paying the debt in full, negotiating a settlement, filing for bankruptcy (which triggers an automatic stay), or challenging the garnishment in court.
Disposable income is your gross pay minus legally required deductions - taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Voluntary deductions like 401(k) do not reduce disposable income.
Yes. States like Illinois (15%), New Jersey (10%), and New York (10%) impose stricter limits than the federal 25% cap.
Generally no for consumer debts. However, Social Security can be garnished for child support, alimony, federal taxes, and federally guaranteed student loans.
Legal Sources & References
- Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) — 15 U.S.C. § 1673
- U.S. Department of Labor — Wage garnishment compliance resources
- Tex. Const. art. XVI § 28 — Texas garnishment limits for consumer debt
- 42 Pa. C.S. § 8127 — Pennsylvania garnishment exemption framework
- N.C.G.S. § 1-362 — North Carolina wage garnishment provisions
Citations are for research and verification. Statutes, thresholds, and agency guidance change; confirm the current text with official sources or a licensed attorney in your state.
Official Government & Bar Resources
Legal Disclaimer: The results provided by TheLegalCalc are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.
Legal disclaimer
This calculator provides general U.S. planning estimates for informational purposes only. Select your state for jurisdiction-specific limitations. Results do not constitute legal advice.
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