Wage garnishment is a legal process that allows a creditor to collect a portion of a debtor’s earnings directly from their paycheck to repay a debt, usually after obtaining a court judgment. Common types of debts that can lead to garnishment include unpaid credit card bills, medical debts, child support, student loans, and tax obligations.

Federal and state laws limit how much can be garnished, generally capping it at 25% of disposable income or the amount by which weekly earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage—whichever is less. Certain types of income, such as Social Security, may be protected. Individuals facing wage garnishment can challenge the order, negotiate a repayment plan, or seek legal help to stop or reduce the garnishment, especially if it causes financial hardship.