Federal Wage Garnishment Limits
The federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) sets the baseline cap on how much of your paycheck can be garnished — though it isn't the whole story.
The Federal Cap Under the CCPA
The CCPA generally limits garnishment to a percentage of your disposable earnings, or the amount by which your earnings exceed a set multiple of the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. For the exact current percentage and threshold, consult the U.S. Department of Labor's wage garnishment guidance directly rather than relying on a figure that may become outdated.
How the Cap Differs for Child Support
Child support garnishment is generally allowed at a meaningfully higher percentage of disposable earnings than most consumer-debt garnishment. See Child Support Garnishment for the specifics.
State Limits Can Be More Protective
The federal cap is a floor, not a ceiling — states are free to set more protective limits, and some do. See State Wage Garnishment Limits for how to find your state's specific rule.
This information is for general education only and is not legal advice. Garnishment rules and limits vary by state, by debt type, and by court. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.