1. What is Wage Garnishment?

Wage garnishment is a legal procedure where a portion of a person's earnings is withheld by their employer for the payment of a debt. This calculator estimates the maximum amount that can typically be garnished under federal law.

2. How Garnishment is Calculated

The calculator uses the standard federal formula:

Where:

• Disposable Income — Earnings after legally required deductions
• 25% — Standard maximum garnishment percentage for most debts

Note: Some states have lower limits, and different rules apply for child support, alimony, taxes, and student loans.

3. Legal Limits on Garnishment

Details: Federal law limits garnishment to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly wages exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your disposable income (after taxes and other required deductions) to estimate the maximum potential garnishment under standard federal guidelines.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are all debts subject to the 25% limit?
A: No, child support, alimony, taxes, and student loans may have higher limits.

Q2: What counts as disposable income?
A: Earnings after deductions required by law (taxes, Social Security, etc.), but before voluntary deductions.

Q3: Can my employer fire me for one garnishment?
A: Federal law prohibits termination for a single garnishment, but multiple garnishments may not be protected.

Q4: Are there state-specific variations?
A: Yes, some states have lower garnishment limits or additional protections.

Q5: How can I stop wage garnishment?
A: Options include paying the debt in full, negotiating with the creditor, filing for bankruptcy, or challenging the garnishment in court.