For an ordinary consumer debt, federal law generally limits garnishment to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which those earnings exceed thirty times the federal minimum hourly wage for the relevant weekly period. Support, taxes, and certain other debts follow different rules. [1]
Disposable earnings is a legal calculation
Disposable earnings generally means earnings remaining after deductions required by law. It is not necessarily the take-home amount after every voluntary insurance premium, retirement contribution, or payroll deduction. Identify which deductions the law requires before applying the percentage. [2]
For nonweekly pay periods, the statutory formula is adjusted under the applicable rules. A creditor or payroll department should not simply apply a weekly dollar threshold to a monthly paycheck.
A simple example
If disposable weekly earnings are $600, the 25% portion is $150. That figure must still be compared with the minimum-wage protection formula, and any more protective state rule must be considered. The smaller permitted amount controls for ordinary garnishment.
A court judgment does not eliminate the federal ceiling. Multiple ordinary orders also do not automatically entitle each creditor to take a separate 25% from the same earnings.
Exceptions can produce a different result
Child support and maintenance have special federal percentage limits, which can be higher. Tax collection, bankruptcy orders, and government debt collection can involve other authorities. Do not use the consumer-credit ceiling as a universal prediction for every withholding. [1]
State law may protect more earnings or recognize additional exemptions. Bank-account garnishment after wages are deposited raises separate tracing and exemption questions.
- Identify the debt and legal process.
- Check gross earnings and legally required deductions.
- Apply the correct pay-period formula.
- Review state exemptions and competing orders.
- Use the objection or exemption deadline stated in the notice.
See child support withheld from Social Security and credit-card collection against Social Security deposits. Payroll withholding and bank attachment are distinct procedures. If the amount is wrong, request the calculation and promptly use the court or agency process rather than assuming the employer can disregard a valid order.
Primary sources
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.