How much of your paycheck will you actually lose to wage garnishment?
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The Bottom Line
Federal law limits how much creditors can garnish from your paycheck.
AI Summary
Wage garnishment allows creditors to claim a portion of a worker's paycheck directly from their employer before the employee receives it. Federal law sets limits on how much creditors can seize—typically 25 percent of disposable income or the amount by which weekly earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is less—though state laws may impose stricter caps. Understanding these limits is crucial for workers facing debt collection, as garnishment can significantly reduce take-home pay and affect financial stability. Child support and tax debt can trigger higher garnishment rates than general consumer debt. The article explains how workers can determine what they might lose and what protections exist under law.
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