Wage Garnishment in Vermont
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Vermont and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: For a debt from a consumer credit transaction, the debtor keeps the greater of 85% of weekly disposable earnings or 40 times the federal minimum hourly wage (for other debts, 75% or 30 times). 12 V.S.A. 3169, 3170
| Wage garnishment limit | For a debt from a consumer credit transaction, the debtor keeps the greater of 85% of weekly disposable earnings or 40 times the federal minimum hourly wage (for other debts, 75% or 30 times). The court may protect more if the debtor's reasonable weekly expenses for self and dependents are higher. No wage garnishment may be ordered against a debtor who received assistance from the Department for Children and Families or the Department of Vermont Health Access in the two months before the hearing. A court hearing is required before wages are garnished. Source: 12 V.S.A. 3169, 3170 |
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| Claiming an exemption | Wages can only be garnished after a court hearing, where the debtor can show the earnings exemptions and expenses. For other collection, the court sends the debtor a List of Exemptions (form 100-00511) with the notice of a financial disclosure hearing; the debtor should raise exemptions with the court at or before that hearing. |
Where to get help in Vermont
More Vermont debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Vermont
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Vermont
- What Creditors Can't Take in Vermont
- Medical Debt Protections in Vermont
- All Vermont debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Vermont?
For a debt from a consumer credit transaction, the debtor keeps the greater of 85% of weekly disposable earnings or 40 times the federal minimum hourly wage (for other debts, 75% or 30 times). The court may protect more if the debtor's reasonable weekly expenses for self and dependents are higher. No wage garnishment may be ordered against a debtor who received assistance from the Department for Children and Families or the Department of Vermont Health Access in the two months before the hearing. A court hearing is required before wages are garnished.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Vermont?
Wages can only be garnished after a court hearing, where the debtor can show the earnings exemptions and expenses. For other collection, the court sends the debtor a List of Exemptions (form 100-00511) with the notice of a financial disclosure hearing; the debtor should raise exemptions with the court at or before that hearing.
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.