Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27
Texas Wage Garnishment — Limits & Exemptions
Wage garnishment limits, homestead exemptions, head-of-household protections, and how to challenge a garnishment in Texas.
Texas garnishment limits
Texas provides greater protection than federal law.
- Maximum garnishment: 0% for most consumer debts; wages are constitutionally exempt from garnishment except for court-ordered child support, spousal maintenance, student loans, and tax debts% of disposable earnings §Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 63.004
Federal vs. Texas limits
| | Federal | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum garnishment | 25% of disposable earnings §15 U.S.C. 1673 | 0% for most consumer debts; wages are constitutionally exempt from garnishment except for court-ordered child support, spousal maintenance, student loans, and tax debts% |
| Minimum wage floor | 30x federal minimum wage §15 U.S.C. 1673 | Higher (more protective) |
| Which applies | Whichever protects more of your wages | — |
What is exempt from garnishment
Not all income can be garnished. Federal law §15 U.S.C. 1673 and Texas law protect:
- Social Security benefits (with limited exceptions for taxes and child support)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans' benefits
- Public assistance / welfare payments
- Workers' compensation benefits
- Retirement and pension income (varies by source)
How to challenge a garnishment
1
Receive the garnishment notice
Your employer will notify you when they receive a garnishment order.
2
File a claim of exemption
If your income is exempt or the garnishment exceeds legal limits, you can file a claim of exemption with the court.
3
Request a hearing
The court will schedule a hearing where you can present evidence that the garnishment should be reduced or eliminated.
Homestead exemption
If you own a home in Texas, the Homestead exemption protects up to Unlimited value; up to 10 acres (urban) or 100 acres (rural, single) / 200 acres (rural, family); exempt from forced sale for most debts of equity from creditor claims §Tex. Prop. Code § 41.001.
⚠Garnishment begins automatically once the creditor obtains a court order. If you believe the garnishment is improper or takes too much of your pay, you must act quickly to file a claim of exemption.
✓If you are struggling with a garnishment, explore whether the debt can be settled, whether bankruptcy would eliminate the underlying judgment, or whether you qualify for a reduction based on hardship.
Prepare for Your Consultation
Quick checklist (Debt Collection Defense)
Gather these before your first consultation.
All collection letters
(dates, amounts, collector names)
Account statements
(original creditor records)
Communication log
(calls, texts, voicemails)
General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your state and debt type.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.
Related guides
Legal authoritiesStatutes referenced on this page
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 63.004
Texas wage garnishment limits
Maximum garnishment: 0% for most consumer debts; wages are constitutionally exempt from garnishment except for court-ordered child support, spousal maintenance, student loans, and tax debts% of disposable earnings. More protective than federal law.
- Maximum: 0% for most consumer debts; wages are constitutionally exempt from garnishment except for court-ordered child support, spousal maintenance, student loans, and tax debts%
- Exceeds federal protection: yes
Verified 2026-09-22 · quarterly review
15 U.S.C. § 1673
Federal wage garnishment limits (CCPA)
Federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 30x federal minimum wage. Whichever is more protective applies.
Verified 2026-07-13 · semiannual review
Tex. Prop. Code § 41.001
Homestead exemption — Unlimited value
Homestead protection in Texas: Unlimited value.
Verified 2026-09-22 · quarterly review
Citations link to official or authoritative sources. Laws change — verify current text before relying on any statute. How we verify citations →