Wage Garnishment Calculator
Estimate the maximum wages a creditor can garnish under the federal CCPA limit — the lesser of 25% of disposable pay or the amount above 30× the minimum wage.
How it works
30× threshold = 30 × min wage · % cap = disposable × cap% · Excess cap = max(0, disposable − 30× threshold) · Garnishment = min(% cap, excess cap) for ordinary debt
The federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) caps how much of your weekly pay a creditor can take. For ordinary debts the garnishment is the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage — the second test protects low earners entirely. Child support and student loans have their own, higher caps, and many states set stricter limits than the federal floor.
Worked example
With $600 weekly disposable earnings and a $7.25 minimum wage, the 30× threshold is $217.50. The 25% cap is $150; the excess above the threshold is $382.50. The lesser, $150, is the maximum garnishment, leaving $450.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as disposable earnings?
Disposable earnings are what remains after legally required deductions — federal, state and local taxes, Social Security and Medicare. Voluntary deductions like health insurance, retirement contributions and union dues are not subtracted first.
Can more than 25% be taken?
Yes, for certain debts. Child and spousal support can reach 50–60% (plus 5% if more than 12 weeks behind), and federal student loans allow up to 15%. Ordinary consumer debts are capped at 25% under federal law.
Do state limits matter?
Very much. States can set lower garnishment caps, and a few (like Texas and Pennsylvania) prohibit wage garnishment for most consumer debts entirely. The employee always gets the more protective of the federal and state limits.
Related calculators
Educational payroll estimate, not tax, payroll or legal advice. Rules and rates vary by jurisdiction and employer — confirm with your payroll department.