economy
March 13, 2026
Which states prohibit wage garnishment by debt collectors?
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.
TL;DR
- Wage garnishment can legally take up to 25% of your disposable income.
- Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina prohibit private creditors from garnishing wages.
- These four states' protections do not apply to debts owed to federal/state governments, child support, alimony, or federally backed student loans.
- Most other states follow federal law, capping garnishment at 25% of disposable earnings or a limit based on minimum wage.
- Options to stop or limit garnishment include filing a claim of exemption, negotiating with the creditor, using a debt relief company, or filing for bankruptcy.
Continue reading the original article