Wage Garnishment in Pennsylvania
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Pennsylvania and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: Wages held by an employer are exempt from garnishment for ordinary consumer debts. Wage attachment is allowed only for support, divorce-related orders, board for four weeks or less, state higher-education (PHEAA) student loans, criminal restitution/fines, and final judgments for a… 42 Pa.C.S. 8127(a)
| Wage garnishment limit | Wages held by an employer are exempt from garnishment for ordinary consumer debts. Wage attachment is allowed only for support, divorce-related orders, board for four weeks or less, state higher-education (PHEAA) student loans, criminal restitution/fines, and final judgments for a residential landlord (limited to 10% of net wages and not below the federal poverty guideline). Source: 42 Pa.C.S. 8127(a) |
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| Claiming an exemption | File a claim for exemption with the sheriff, substantially in the form in Rule 3252(a) (included with the writ of execution), and ask for a prompt hearing. The court must hear the claim within five business days after the sheriff presents it. Judgment against a garnishee (such as a bank) cannot be entered until 20 days after the writ is served, and not while a claim is pending without agreement or leave of court. Source: Pa.R.C.P. 3123.1 |
Where to get help in Pennsylvania
More Pennsylvania debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Pennsylvania
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
- What Creditors Can't Take in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Pennsylvania?
Wages held by an employer are exempt from garnishment for ordinary consumer debts. Wage attachment is allowed only for support, divorce-related orders, board for four weeks or less, state higher-education (PHEAA) student loans, criminal restitution/fines, and final judgments for a residential landlord (limited to 10% of net wages and not below the federal poverty guideline).
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Pennsylvania?
File a claim for exemption with the sheriff, substantially in the form in Rule 3252(a) (included with the writ of execution), and ask for a prompt hearing. The court must hear the claim within five business days after the sheriff presents it. Judgment against a garnishee (such as a bank) cannot be entered until 20 days after the writ is served, and not while a claim is pending without agreement or leave of court.
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.