Pennsylvania Wage Garnishment — Max Percentage, Exemptions & Bans
Your Pennsylvania wage garnishment snapshot: caps, exemptions, and bans.
Pennsylvania Wage Garnishment at a Glance
| Max garnishment (consumer debt) | Banned for consumer debt |
|---|---|
| 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, federal student loans, and court-ordered spousal support can still be garnished. |
| Key source | 42 Pa. C.S. § 8122 |
What This Means in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania generally prohibits wage garnishment for consumer debt; allowed for taxes, support, and federal student loans.
Estimate Your Own Limit
Want a number for your paycheck? Open the Pennsylvania wage garnishment calculator and enter your weekly disposable income.
This page is a general reference for Pennsylvania. Garnishment rules differ by debt type and can change with legislation. Confirm current requirements with the Pennsylvania court or a local attorney before relying on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can be garnished from wages in Pennsylvania?
For most consumer debt, the federal cap is the lesser of 25% of weekly disposable earnings or the amount above $217.50/week. Pennsylvania goes further and generally bans wage garnishment for consumer debt entirely. Child support, taxes, and federal student loans follow separate rules.
Is there a head-of-household protection in Pennsylvania?
There is no special head-of-household wage exemption written into Pennsylvania law beyond the federal $217.50/week floor, though some debt types are handled differently. Verify with the court.