When a creditor wins a court judgment for an unpaid balance, they may obtain a **writ of garnishment** requiring your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck. Federal and state laws strictly limit how much income may be legally seized.
1. Federal Wage Garnishment Limits (CCPA Title III)
| Earnings Threshold | Federal Maximum Garnishment Cap |
|---|---|
| Weekly Disposable Earnings ≤ 30x Federal Min Wage ($217.50) | 0% (100% Exempt from Garnishment) |
| Weekly Disposable Earnings Between $217.50 and $290.00 | Amount above $217.50 only |
| Weekly Disposable Earnings > $290.00 | Maximum 25% of disposable earnings |