California Wage Garnishment — Max Percentage, Exemptions & Bans
Your California wage garnishment snapshot: caps, exemptions, and bans.
California Wage Garnishment at a Glance
| Max garnishment (consumer debt) | 25% of disposable earnings |
|---|---|
| Federal protection floor | $217.50 / week (30 × $7.25 federal minimum wage) |
| Head-of-household exemption | Standard federal rule |
| Exceptions that can still be taken | Child support, unpaid taxes, and federal student loans follow separate (often higher) limits. |
| Key source | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 706.050; CCPA Title III |
What This Means in California
California follows the federal CCPA limit for consumer debt (Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 706.050 et seq.).
Estimate Your Own Limit
Want a number for your paycheck? Open the California wage garnishment calculator and enter your weekly disposable income.
This page is a general reference for California. Garnishment rules differ by debt type and can change with legislation. Confirm current requirements with the California court or a local attorney before relying on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can be garnished from wages in California?
For most consumer debt, the federal cap is the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount above $217.50/week. Some states add more protection; California follows the federal framework. Child support, taxes, and federal student loans follow separate rules.
Is there a head-of-household protection in California?
There is no special head-of-household wage exemption written into California law beyond the federal $217.50/week floor, though some debt types are handled differently. Verify with the court.