Wage Garnishment in Minnesota
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Minnesota and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: Stricter than federal law, on a sliding scale. Earnings up to 40 times the higher of the state or federal minimum wage per week are fully protected. Minn. Stat. § 571.922; § 550.37, subds. 13-14
| Wage garnishment limit | Stricter than federal law, on a sliding scale. Earnings up to 40 times the higher of the state or federal minimum wage per week are fully protected. Above that, no more than 10% of disposable earnings may be garnished if weekly income is up to 60 times the minimum wage, 15% if up to 80 times, and 25% if above 80 times (never more than the amount above 40 times the minimum wage). Exempt wages stay exempt for 20 days after being deposited in a bank. Public assistance recipients' earnings are fully exempt. § 550.37: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/550.37 |
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| Claiming an exemption | When a bank account is levied, the bank must mail the debtor a notice and two exemption claim forms within two business days; the funds are frozen for 14 days. To claim money as exempt, the completed exemption form must reach the bank within 14 days after the notices were mailed, or the funds are turned over to the creditor. If the creditor objects, it must file a Notice of Objection and Notice of Hearing, and the court holds a hearing 5 to 7 business days later. A claim made in bad faith, or a bad-faith objection by the creditor, can lead to costs, fees and up to $100 in penalties. Wage exemptions under § 571.922 apply automatically whether or not claimed (§ 550.37, subd. 13). |
Where to get help in Minnesota
- Minnesota Attorney General's Office (consumer complaints); Minnesota Department of Commerce (licenses collection agencies)
- File a complaint or claim
More Minnesota debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Minnesota
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Minnesota
- What Creditors Can't Take in Minnesota
- Medical Debt Protections in Minnesota
- All Minnesota debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Minnesota?
Stricter than federal law, on a sliding scale. Earnings up to 40 times the higher of the state or federal minimum wage per week are fully protected. Above that, no more than 10% of disposable earnings may be garnished if weekly income is up to 60 times the minimum wage, 15% if up to 80 times, and 25% if above 80 times (never more than the amount above 40 times the minimum wage). Exempt wages stay exempt for 20 days after being deposited in a bank. Public assistance recipients' earnings are fully exempt.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Minnesota?
When a bank account is levied, the bank must mail the debtor a notice and two exemption claim forms within two business days; the funds are frozen for 14 days. To claim money as exempt, the completed exemption form must reach the bank within 14 days after the notices were mailed, or the funds are turned over to the creditor. If the creditor objects, it must file a Notice of Objection and Notice of Hearing, and the court holds a hearing 5 to 7 business days later. A claim made in bad faith, or a bad-faith objection by the creditor, can lead to costs, fees and up to $100 in penalties.
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.