Wage Garnishment Cap (Title III)
Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (Title III) caps wage garnishment at lesser of 25% disposable earnings or earnings above 30× federal minimum wage ($217.50/wk).
| Gross earnings | — |
| Required deductions | — |
| Disposable earnings | — |
| Protected (30× min wage) | — |
| Earnings above protected | — |
| Maximum garnishment | — |
| Net to you | — |
Federal Title III of the Consumer Credit Protection Act limits wage garnishment to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount above 30× the federal minimum wage. State laws may provide stronger protections.
How Title III Works
15 USC 1673(a) caps garnishment at the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings OR amount by which disposable earnings exceed 30× federal minimum wage. As of 2026, $7.25 × 30 = $217.50/week protected.
Child Support Exception
Child support garnishments can take up to 50% (with other dependents), 60% (no other deps), or 65% (more than 12 weeks behind), per Title III Section 1673(b).
State Law May Protect More
CA, NY, MA, PA, TX, NC, SC limit garnishment beyond federal minimum. Texas prohibits garnishment for consumer debt entirely. Check state law for the lower (more protective) cap.
Multiple Garnishments
Federal cap is total across all garnishments — creditors do NOT stack. First-in-time generally has priority. If 25% is already taken, second garnishment must wait.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: 15 USC 1673 Title III, DOL Wage Garnishment.