1. What is Wage Garnishment?

Wage garnishment is a legal procedure where a portion of a person's earnings is withheld by an employer for the payment of a debt. Federal law limits garnishment to the lesser of 25% of disposable income or the amount by which weekly wages exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage.

2. How Wage Garnishment is Calculated

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Disposable Income — Earnings after legally required deductions (taxes, Social Security, etc.)
• 25% — Federal maximum garnishment percentage for most debts
• State Limit — Some states have stricter limits than federal law

3. Federal vs. State Limits

Details: While federal law allows up to 25% garnishment, some states have lower limits or completely prohibit wage garnishment for certain types of debt. Always check your state's specific regulations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your disposable income (after taxes and required deductions). If your state has a garnishment limit lower than 25%, enter that amount in the state limit field.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as disposable income?
A: Disposable income is your earnings after legally required deductions like federal/state taxes, Social Security, and unemployment insurance.

Q2: Are all debts subject to 25% garnishment?
A: No, child support/alimony may have higher limits, while some states protect certain income types from garnishment.

Q3: Can my employer fire me for wage garnishment?
A: Federal law protects employees from being fired for a single garnishment, but multiple garnishments may not be protected.

Q4: How do I know my state's garnishment limit?
A: Check with your state labor department or consult an attorney familiar with your state's wage garnishment laws.

Q5: Can I negotiate a lower garnishment amount?
A: You may be able to negotiate with creditors or petition the court for a lower garnishment based on financial hardship.