Wage Garnishment in Arkansas
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Arkansas and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: The first $25 per week of net wages is always exempt. A worker may also claim up to 60 days' wages as exempt by filing a sworn statement that the wages, together with other personal property, do not exceed the constitutional personal property exemption ($500 for a married person or head… Ark. Code Ann. § 16-66-208; Ark. Const. art. 9, §§ 1-2 (as listed in § 16-66-218(b)); Arkansas Attorney General, Guide to Small Claims Court
| Wage garnishment limit | The first $25 per week of net wages is always exempt. A worker may also claim up to 60 days' wages as exempt by filing a sworn statement that the wages, together with other personal property, do not exceed the constitutional personal property exemption ($500 for a married person or head of family, $200 for others). The federal limit (no more than 25% of disposable earnings) also applies. Public mirror (FindLaw). The AG guide states the maximum that can be withheld is 25% of net disposable income: https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/legal-resources/guide-to-small-claims-court/ |
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| Claiming an exemption | To protect wages beyond the automatic $25 per week, the debtor files a sworn statement (schedule) of exemption with the court that issued the garnishment. The creditor has 5 days after the claim to ask for a hearing on its validity. If the claim is upheld, the debtor's wages cannot be garnished again for 60 days. Public mirror (FindLaw). Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 16-66-208(a) |
Where to get help in Arkansas
- Arkansas Attorney General, Public Protection Department (collection agency licensing: Arkansas State Board of Collection Agencies)
- File a complaint or claim
More Arkansas debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Arkansas
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Arkansas
- What Creditors Can't Take in Arkansas
- All Arkansas debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Arkansas?
The first $25 per week of net wages is always exempt. A worker may also claim up to 60 days' wages as exempt by filing a sworn statement that the wages, together with other personal property, do not exceed the constitutional personal property exemption ($500 for a married person or head of family, $200 for others). The federal limit (no more than 25% of disposable earnings) also applies.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Arkansas?
To protect wages beyond the automatic $25 per week, the debtor files a sworn statement (schedule) of exemption with the court that issued the garnishment. The creditor has 5 days after the claim to ask for a hearing on its validity. If the claim is upheld, the debtor's wages cannot be garnished again for 60 days.
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.