If you’ve ever wondered how much of your paycheck a creditor can legally take, you’re not alone. Wage garnishment laws vary depending on where you live, and each state sets its own limits on how much of your earnings can be withheld to repay debt.
While federal law establishes a baseline cap, some states go further to protect workers—or in rare cases, allow more aggressive collection. This guide breaks down federal garnishment rules, explains how states differ, and helps you quickly see what applies where you live.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how much of your paycheck could be garnished in 2025, when exceptions apply, and what steps you can take if a creditor is trying to collect more than they should.
Federal Wage Garnishment Rules
Before looking at individual states, it helps to understand the federal standards that apply across the country. These rules, found in the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA), set limits on how much of your disposable income can be taken by creditors.
What Disposable Earnings Mean Under Federal Law
Disposable earnings are the portion of your paycheck left after legally required deductions. This includes taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Voluntary deductions such as retirement contributions or health insurance premiums are not subtracted when calculating disposable earnings.
These numbers matter because wage garnishment limits are based on disposable, not gross, income.
The 25% or “30 Times Minimum Wage” Rule
Under federal law, the maximum amount that can be garnished is the lesser of:
- 25% of your disposable earnings, or
- The amount by which your weekly disposable income exceeds 30 times the federal minimum wage.
In 2025, the federal minimum wage is $7.25. That means if your weekly disposable earnings are $500, the maximum garnishment is 25% ($125) because it’s less than the alternative calculation.
If your earnings are lower, the “30 times minimum wage” rule ensures a baseline amount is protected from wage garnishment.
Exceptions for Support Orders, Taxes, and Student Loans
Certain debts allow for higher garnishment amounts or have different rules altogether:
- Child support and alimony: Up to 50% of disposable earnings may be taken if you support another spouse or child. If not, up to 60% may be withheld. An additional 5% can be added if payments are more than 12 weeks behind.
- Unpaid taxes: The IRS and state tax agencies can garnish wages without court orders, and these garnishments are not subject to the same 25% cap.
- Defaulted student loans: The Department of Education can take up to 15% of disposable earnings to repay federal student loans, even without a court judgment.
Employer Protections and Restrictions
Federal law also provides some protection for employees. An employer cannot fire someone solely because their wages are being garnished for a single debt. However, if multiple garnishments occur, that protection may no longer apply.
If you have more than one garnishment, total withholding cannot exceed the highest applicable federal or state limit.
Garnishment Rules by State (2025)
Wage garnishment laws vary widely across the U.S. Some states stick with the federal limit, while others tighten restrictions or block garnishment altogether. Use the guide below to see how your state compares.
States That Follow Federal Limits
These states use the federal standard: creditors can garnish up to 25% of disposable earnings or the amount above 30 × the federal minimum wage. They generally offer no extra exemptions beyond the federal baseline.
States: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Wyoming
Example:
- Indiana: Applies the federal rule — the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount above 30 × the federal minimum wage.
- Missouri: Same as federal law with no added worker protections.
- Utah: Matches the federal standard, with no special exemptions for income level or family status.
States With Stricter Caps or Exemptions
These states protect more of a worker’s paycheck by lowering the garnishment percentage or using a higher wage multiplier. Some recently updated their laws to reflect higher minimum wages or inflation adjustments.
States: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Highlights:
- Arizona: Limits garnishment to 10% of disposable earnings or 60 × the state minimum wage, whichever protects more.
- California: Uses the lesser of 25% or 50 × the state minimum wage; new law AB 2837 strengthens notice and compliance requirements.
- Illinois: Caps garnishment at 15% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding 45 × the state minimum wage.
- Minnesota: Uses the lesser of 25% or the amount exceeding 40 × the federal minimum wage.
- Oregon: Limits garnishment to the lesser of 25% or a fixed dollar cap tied to pay periods; exemption amounts were raised in 2025.
- Washington: Protects at least 35 × the state minimum wage per week before garnishment applies.
- West Virginia: Caps garnishment at 20% of disposable earnings or 30 × the federal minimum wage, whichever protects more.
- Massachusetts: Allows only 15% of disposable earnings or the amount above 50 × the state minimum wage.
- Wisconsin: Restricts garnishment to 20% of disposable income.
States That Ban Garnishment for Consumer Debt
A few states completely prohibit wage garnishment for most consumer debts, such as credit cards or medical bills. In these states, only certain debts — including child support, spousal support, taxes, and student loans — can trigger garnishment.
States: North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas
Examples:
- Texas: Prohibits wage garnishment for personal debts. Only taxes, child support, and federally backed loans may qualify.
- North Carolina: Blocks garnishment for consumer debts but allows it for state or federal obligations.
- South Carolina: Fully bans consumer-debt garnishment.
- Pennsylvania: Applies only to support orders, taxes, and student loans.
States With Unique or Graduated Rules
Some states don’t fit neatly into “federal” or “stricter” categories. They use income tiers or formulas to calculate how much can be taken.
States: Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York
Highlights:
- Delaware: Limits garnishment to 15% of disposable earnings.
- Florida: Uses federal limits but fully exempts head-of-household earners under certain income levels.
- Hawaii: Garnishes 5% of the first $100, 10% of the next $100, and 20% above $200 of disposable income per week.
- New Jersey: Caps garnishment between 10% and 25%, depending on income level — lower earners keep more.
- New York: Uses the lesser of 10% of gross income, 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount exceeding 30 × minimum wage; strengthened employer rules took effect in 2025.
- New Hampshire: Follows federal limits but allows hardship exemptions.
- Michigan: Applies the federal rule but offers partial protection for lower-income workers.
Each state’s rules reflect a different balance between debt collection and income protection. Before a garnishment begins, confirm details through your state’s Department of Labor or local court website, as thresholds and exemption amounts may change each year.
Special Debt Types & State Rules
Not all debts are treated equally when it comes to wage garnishment. Some types of debt have their own limits or procedures that can override state laws. Knowing which category your debt falls into can help you understand what to expect and what protections you may have.
Child Support, Alimony, and Spousal Support
Family-related obligations have their own federal and state rules. In most cases, child support and alimony garnishments take priority over other types of debt.
- Federal caps: Up to 50% of disposable earnings may be garnished if you’re supporting another spouse or child, or up to 60% if you’re not. An additional 5% can apply if you’re more than 12 weeks behind.
- State variations: Some states apply these same percentages, while others allow the full amount of a court-ordered support payment to be withheld, regardless of federal limits. States like California and New York often enforce automatic income withholding once a support order is issued.
Because these orders usually come through family court, they continue until the balance is paid or modified by a judge.
Tax Debt Garnishment (State and Federal)
Tax agencies can garnish wages without going through the same court process as other creditors. This applies to both federal and state tax debts.
- Federal tax debt: The IRS uses a formula based on your filing status and number of dependents to determine how much of your paycheck is exempt. Anything above that exemption amount can be garnished until the debt is paid.
- State tax debt: States such as California, New York, and Illinois have their own garnishment powers that can operate independently of federal rules. These state tax levies often mirror IRS procedures but can vary in the percentage withheld and notice requirements.
Tax garnishments remain in effect until the balance is resolved, either through payment, settlement, or approved hardship arrangement.
Student Loan Defaults
Defaulted federal student loans can trigger wage garnishment under a process called administrative wage garnishment. Unlike most other debts, this does not require a court order.
- Federal limit: The Department of Education or its collection agencies can take up to 15% of disposable earnings.
- Protections: Borrowers must receive written notice at least 30 days before garnishment begins and have the right to request a hearing or set up a payment plan.
- State involvement: Some states offer additional protections, such as requiring local notice or allowing state-based loan rehabilitation options.
If you rehabilitate or consolidate your loan, garnishment stops, and your credit report begins to show on-time payments again.
Miscellaneous Debts: Court Fines, Restitution, and Judgment Interest
Certain obligations—such as court fines, restitution orders, or judgment interest—can bypass typical garnishment caps.
- Court fines and restitution: Criminal restitution or government-ordered fines often have no specific cap and remain enforceable until paid in full.
- Judgment interest: When a creditor wins a lawsuit, interest continues to accrue on the balance. States like Texas and Florida apply statutory interest rates that can increase the total owed, extending the garnishment period.
Because these debts are tied to court judgments, they usually take priority after taxes and child support.
What to Do If You Face Garnishment in 2025
If you receive notice that your wages are about to be garnished, it’s important to act quickly. You may have rights to limit, challenge, or stop the process entirely.
Check Your State’s Statutes or Official Resources
Start by reviewing your state’s specific wage garnishment laws. Most state Departments of Labor and court websites provide clear explanations of exemption amounts and procedures.
Avoid relying on outdated summaries or online calculators. Always verify current limits through official sources, as state minimum wage changes can alter the calculations.
Claim Exemptions or Contest the Garnishment
You may be able to protect a portion of your income by claiming an exemption or objecting to the garnishment in court.
- Common defenses: Improper notice or service, expired statute of limitations, or incorrect debt balance.
- How to respond: File a written objection within the time listed on your garnishment notice. You may also request a hearing to present your case.
If you win, the court can reduce or cancel the garnishment order.
Negotiate a Settlement or Payment Plan
Contact the creditor or collection agency before the garnishment begins. Many creditors are open to new payment arrangements that can stop the garnishment and reduce fees.
- Benefits: Avoids paycheck deductions and may help preserve your credit report.
- Downsides: Payments must be consistent, and some creditors may require a lump-sum settlement.
If possible, get any new payment agreement in writing before stopping your court response.
Consider Bankruptcy or Other Relief Options
Filing bankruptcy can stop wage garnishment immediately through an automatic stay. It doesn’t erase every type of debt, but it can provide relief for most unsecured obligations.
- Chapter 7: May discharge qualifying debts completely, including credit cards and medical bills.
- Chapter 13: Creates a structured repayment plan that can reduce the amount owed and prevent further garnishment.
Before considering this step, speak with a bankruptcy attorney or nonprofit credit counselor to review your full financial picture.
Final Thoughts
Wage garnishment laws can look complicated, but the basic idea is simple: how much you earn, where you live, and what type of debt you owe all determine how much can be taken from your paycheck.
Knowing your state’s rules gives you a clear advantage. It helps you spot errors, assert your rights, and take action before your finances are strained further.
If you’re already facing a garnishment, act quickly. Review your notice, confirm your state’s exemption laws, and explore all available options—from negotiating directly with your creditor to seeking legal or financial assistance—to protect your income and regain control.
