Wage Garnishment in District of Columbia
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in District of Columbia and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: A wage attachment can take only 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage. Only one wage attachment can be satisfied at a time, and wages cannot be garnished before a judgment. D.C. Code § 16-572; § 16-583
| Wage garnishment limit | A wage attachment can take only 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage. Only one wage attachment can be satisfied at a time, and wages cannot be garnished before a judgment. Because D.C.'s minimum wage is high, this protects far more pay than the federal 30x rule. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 16-572; § 16-583 |
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| Claiming an exemption | When personal property is seized on execution, the debtor gives written notice to the U.S. Marshal that the property is exempt. The marshal notifies the creditor and returns the notice to the court, which holds a trial on the exemption. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 15-521 |
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
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in District of Columbia
- What Creditors Can't Take in District of Columbia
- Medical Debt Protections in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in District of Columbia?
A wage attachment can take only 25% of the amount by which weekly disposable wages exceed 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage. Only one wage attachment can be satisfied at a time, and wages cannot be garnished before a judgment.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in District of Columbia?
When personal property is seized on execution, the debtor gives written notice to the U.S. Marshal that the property is exempt. The marshal notifies the creditor and returns the notice to the court, which holds a trial on the exemption.
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.