What Creditors Can't Take in District of Columbia
Money, home and vehicle exemptions that protect your property from creditors in District of Columbia.
Short answer: No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the 'any property' exemption ($850 plus up to $8,075 of the unused residence exemption) for a head of family or householder. D.C. Code §§ 15-501(a)(3), (a)(7); 15-503(a)-(b)
| Money protected in a bank account | No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the 'any property' exemption ($850 plus up to $8,075 of the unused residence exemption) for a head of family or householder. Non-wage earnings, insurance and pension payments are exempt up to $200 a month for 2 months for a person who mainly supports a family, or $60 a month for others. Social Security, veterans and similar benefits are exempt. § 15-503: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/15-503 Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| Homestead exemption | The debtor's interest in real property used as the residence of the debtor or a dependent (including a cooperative interest) is exempt, with no dollar cap in the statute. The exemption does not defeat a mortgage, deed of trust, mechanic's lien or tax lien. It applies to a head of family or householder who lives or mainly earns a living in D.C. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-501(a)(14) |
| Vehicle exemption | Up to $2,575 in one motor vehicle, for a head of family or householder. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-501(a)(1) |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
- Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Office of Consumer Protection
- File a complaint or claim
More District of Columbia debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in District of Columbia
- Wage Garnishment in District of Columbia
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in District of Columbia
- Medical Debt Protections in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much money in a bank account is protected from creditors in District of Columbia?
No separate bank account exemption. Money can be protected under the 'any property' exemption ($850 plus up to $8,075 of the unused residence exemption) for a head of family or householder. Non-wage earnings, insurance and pension payments are exempt up to $200 a month for 2 months for a person who mainly supports a family, or $60 a month for others. Social Security, veterans and similar benefits are exempt.
What is the homestead exemption in District of Columbia?
The debtor's interest in real property used as the residence of the debtor or a dependent (including a cooperative interest) is exempt, with no dollar cap in the statute. The exemption does not defeat a mortgage, deed of trust, mechanic's lien or tax lien. It applies to a head of family or householder who lives or mainly earns a living in D.C.
Can a creditor take my car in District of Columbia?
Up to $2,575 in one motor vehicle, for a head of family or householder.
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.