New Jersey Wage Garnishment — Max Percentage, Exemptions & Bans
Your New Jersey wage garnishment snapshot: caps, exemptions, and bans.
New Jersey 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 | CCPA Title III, 15 U.S.C. § 1673 |
What This Means in New Jersey
Follows the federal CCPA Title III cap for consumer debt: the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount above 30 × the federal minimum wage ($217.50/week). Child support, unpaid taxes, and federal student loans follow separate, often higher, limits. Verify the current rule with the state court or a local attorney.
Estimate Your Own Limit
Want a number for your paycheck? Open the New Jersey wage garnishment calculator and enter your weekly disposable income.
This page is a general reference for New Jersey. Garnishment rules differ by debt type and can change with legislation. Confirm current requirements with the New Jersey court or a local attorney before relying on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can be garnished from wages in New Jersey?
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; New Jersey follows the federal framework. Child support, taxes, and federal student loans follow separate rules.
Is there a head-of-household protection in New Jersey?
There is no special head-of-household wage exemption written into New Jersey law beyond the federal $217.50/week floor, though some debt types are handled differently. Verify with the court.