Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27
Washington Wage Garnishment — Limits & Exemptions
Wage garnishment limits, homestead exemptions, head-of-household protections, and how to challenge a garnishment in Washington.
Washington garnishment limits
Washington provides greater protection than federal law.
- Maximum garnishment: Protected share depends on the debt: generally the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 35x federal minimum wage per week (more protective than federal 30x); for consumer debt, the greater of 80% of disposable earnings or 35x state minimum wage; for private student loan debt, the greater of 85% of disposable earnings or 50x the highest state minimum wage; spousal maintenance orders follow different rules% of disposable earnings §6.27.150
Federal vs. Washington limits
| | Federal | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum garnishment | 25% of disposable earnings §15 U.S.C. 1673 | Protected share depends on the debt: generally the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 35x federal minimum wage per week (more protective than federal 30x); for consumer debt, the greater of 80% of disposable earnings or 35x state minimum wage; for private student loan debt, the greater of 85% of disposable earnings or 50x the highest state minimum wage; spousal maintenance orders follow different rules% |
| 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 Washington 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 Washington, the Homestead exemption protects up to $125,000 (auto-homestead; no filing required); increases with property value adjustments of equity from creditor claims §6.13.030.
⚠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.
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Related guides
Legal authoritiesStatutes referenced on this page
RCW § 6.27.150
Washington wage garnishment limits
Maximum garnishment: Protected share depends on the debt: generally the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 35x federal minimum wage per week (more protective than federal 30x); for consumer debt, the greater of 80% of disposable earnings or 35x state minimum wage; for private student loan debt, the greater of 85% of disposable earnings or 50x the highest state minimum wage; spousal maintenance orders follow different rules% of disposable earnings. More protective than federal law.
- Maximum: Protected share depends on the debt: generally the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 35x federal minimum wage per week (more protective than federal 30x); for consumer debt, the greater of 80% of disposable earnings or 35x state minimum wage; for private student loan debt, the greater of 85% of disposable earnings or 50x the highest state minimum wage; spousal maintenance orders follow different rules%
- Exceeds federal protection: yes
Verified 2026-09-28 · 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
RCW § 6.13.030
Homestead exemption — $125,000
Homestead protection in Washington: $125,000 (auto-homestead.
Citations link to official or authoritative sources. Laws change — verify current text before relying on any statute. How we verify citations →