Wage Garnishment in Alaska
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Alaska and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: For a person paid weekly, twice a month or monthly, the protected amount is $473 per week or 75% of weekly disposable earnings, whichever is more. AS 09.38.030(a), 09.38.050(b); 8 AAC 95.030; Alaska Court System Judgment Debtor Booklet, CIV-511 (8/26)
| Wage garnishment limit | For a person paid weekly, twice a month or monthly, the protected amount is $473 per week or 75% of weekly disposable earnings, whichever is more. It can be raised to $743 per week if the debtor files an affidavit that their earnings alone support the household. Different limits apply to judgments for child support, employee wages, state taxes and some other debts. Dollar amounts are inflation-adjusted under AS 09.38.115 and set by Department of Labor regulation (8 AAC 95.030); figures are as printed in the August 2026 booklet. |
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| Claiming an exemption | Within 3 days after seizing property, the creditor must send the debtor a notice of levy and exemption rights. The debtor must file a Claim of Exemptions (CIV-515; CIV-531 for wage garnishment) with the court clerk within 15 days after the property is seized. The court gives the creditor 10 days to respond and then decides the claim or sets a hearing. Exemptions not claimed in time may be lost. |
Where to get help in Alaska
- Alaska Department of Law, Consumer Protection Unit (collection agency licensing is handled by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development)
- File a complaint or claim
More Alaska debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Alaska
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Alaska
- What Creditors Can't Take in Alaska
- All Alaska debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Alaska?
For a person paid weekly, twice a month or monthly, the protected amount is $473 per week or 75% of weekly disposable earnings, whichever is more. It can be raised to $743 per week if the debtor files an affidavit that their earnings alone support the household. Different limits apply to judgments for child support, employee wages, state taxes and some other debts.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Alaska?
Within 3 days after seizing property, the creditor must send the debtor a notice of levy and exemption rights. The debtor must file a Claim of Exemptions (CIV-515; CIV-531 for wage garnishment) with the court clerk within 15 days after the property is seized. The court gives the creditor 10 days to respond and then decides the claim or sets a hearing. Exemptions not claimed in time may be lost.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.