Wage Garnishment in Illinois
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Illinois and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: The lesser of 15% of gross weekly wages, or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 45 times the Illinois (or federal, if higher) minimum hourly wage. This is stricter than the federal limit. 735 ILCS 5/12-803
| Wage garnishment limit | The lesser of 15% of gross weekly wages, or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 45 times the Illinois (or federal, if higher) minimum hourly wage. This is stricter than the federal limit. Source: 735 ILCS 5/12-803 |
|---|---|
| Claiming an exemption | A citation to discover assets must come with a notice listing exemptions. The debtor can claim exemptions at the citation hearing, or earlier by notifying the court clerk in writing; the clerk then sets a prompt hearing and provides the forms to send to the creditor. Source: 735 ILCS 5/2-1402 |
Where to get help in Illinois
- Illinois Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division (collection agency licensing: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation)
- File a complaint or claim
More Illinois debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Illinois
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Illinois
- What Creditors Can't Take in Illinois
- Medical Debt Protections in Illinois
- All Illinois debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Illinois?
The lesser of 15% of gross weekly wages, or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 45 times the Illinois (or federal, if higher) minimum hourly wage. This is stricter than the federal limit.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Illinois?
A citation to discover assets must come with a notice listing exemptions. The debtor can claim exemptions at the citation hearing, or earlier by notifying the court clerk in writing; the clerk then sets a prompt hearing and provides the forms to send to the creditor.
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.