Federal Wage Garnishment Limits
CCPA Title III protections for your paycheck
25%
Consumer Debt Max
50-65%
Child Support Max
15%
Student Loan Max
$217.50
Weekly Protected
Consumer Debt (Credit Cards, Medical, Loans)
Maximum Garnishment
25%
of disposable earnings
Protected Amount
30× Min Wage
$217.5/week
How it works: Garnishment is limited to the LESSER of: (1) 25% of disposable earnings, or (2) the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 30× the federal minimum wage.
Child Support & Alimony
With Other Dependents
50%
supporting spouse/child
Without Dependents
60%
not supporting others
12+ Weeks Arrears
+5%
additional penalty
Note: Child support and alimony have higher limits than consumer debt. Maximum can reach 65% of disposable earnings if you're behind on payments.
Federal Student Loans
Maximum Garnishment
15%
of disposable earnings
Protected Amount
30× Min Wage
must remain after garnishment
Note: This applies to defaulted federal student loans only. Private student loan collectors must use the 25% consumer debt limit.
IRS Tax Levy
IRS levies are calculated differently. The exempt amount depends on your filing status and number of dependents claimed.
Weekly Exempt (Single)
$404.17
Per Dependent Addition
+$153.85
State Laws May Offer More Protection
Many states have stricter garnishment limits than federal law. If your state's limit is lower, that limit applies. Some states prohibit wage garnishment for consumer debt entirely.
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This is 2026 federal law information. State laws may provide additional protection. Consult a debt attorney for your specific situation.