Wage Garnishment in Washington
How much of your paycheck can be garnished in Washington and how to claim an exemption.
Short answer: For consumer debt, the debtor keeps the greater of 80% of weekly disposable earnings or 35 times the state minimum hourly wage. For private student loan debt: the greater of 85% or 50 times the highest applicable minimum wage. RCW 6.27.150(1), (3), (4)
| Wage garnishment limit | For consumer debt, the debtor keeps the greater of 80% of weekly disposable earnings or 35 times the state minimum hourly wage. For private student loan debt: the greater of 85% or 50 times the highest applicable minimum wage. For other debts: the greater of 75% or 35 times the federal minimum wage. Source: RCW 6.27.150(1), (3), (4) |
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| Claiming an exemption | Deliver or mail a claim of exemption (the form attached to the writ) to the clerk of the court that issued the writ, and mail a copy to the creditor or its attorney, no later than 28 days after the date on the writ (extended in some cases if service on the garnishee was delayed). The court then holds a hearing if the creditor objects. Source: RCW 6.27.160(1) |
Where to get help in Washington
- Washington State Department of Licensing (licenses collection agencies); Washington Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
- File a complaint or claim
More Washington debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Washington
- What Creditors Can't Take in Washington
- Medical Debt Protections in Washington
- All Washington debt & collections rules
FAQ
How much of my wages can be garnished in Washington?
For consumer debt, the debtor keeps the greater of 80% of weekly disposable earnings or 35 times the state minimum hourly wage. For private student loan debt: the greater of 85% or 50 times the highest applicable minimum wage. For other debts: the greater of 75% or 35 times the federal minimum wage.
How do I stop a garnishment or claim an exemption in Washington?
Deliver or mail a claim of exemption (the form attached to the writ) to the clerk of the court that issued the writ, and mail a copy to the creditor or its attorney, no later than 28 days after the date on the writ (extended in some cases if service on the garnishee was delayed). The court then holds a hearing if the creditor objects.
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.