What are bankruptcy exemptions in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is unique because state exemptions are so weak that federal exemptions are almost always better.

1. Choice Between State and Federal — 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(2)

Pennsylvania did not opt out. Debtors may choose either:

Pennsylvania state exemptions (42 Pa. C.S. §§ 8123-8124), OR

Federal exemptions (11 U.S.C. § 522(d)).

95%+ of PA debtors choose federal because of the absence of a state homestead.

2. Pennsylvania State Exemptions — 42 Pa. C.S. § 8124

NO homestead exemption — Pennsylvania has no general homestead protection.

Wildcard — § 8123(a): only $300 of any property.

Bibles, schoolbooks, sewing machines — § 8124(a): unlimited.

Uniforms and equipment — § 8124(a)(4): unlimited.

Tangible personal property at international expositions: unlimited.

Wages — § 8127: generally exempt from attachment except for support, taxes, and a few categories.

Public assistance, veterans' benefits, workers' comp: fully exempt.

3. Federal Exemptions — 11 U.S.C. § 522(d) (2025 figures)

Homestead — § 522(d)(1): $27,900 ($55,800 joint).

Motor vehicle — § 522(d)(2): $4,450.

Household goods/furniture — § 522(d)(3): $700 per item, $14,875 aggregate.

Jewelry — § 522(d)(4): $1,875.

Wildcard — § 522(d)(5): $1,475 + up to $13,950 of unused homestead = up to $15,425. Critical for renters and low-equity homeowners.

Tools of trade — § 522(d)(6): $2,800.

Life insurance unmatured — § 522(d)(7), (8): unlimited contract; $14,875 in cash value.

Personal injury — § 522(d)(11)(D): $27,900.

Retirement accounts — § 522(d)(12): ERISA plans and most IRAs/Roth IRAs fully exempt up to $1,512,350 (2025).

4. Wages

State: generally exempt from non-tax/non-support garnishment (§ 8127).

Federal CCPA: caps garnishment at 25% of disposable earnings or amount over 30x minimum wage.

5. Tenancy by the Entirety

Pennsylvania recognizes — property held jointly by spouses with right of survivorship is exempt from individual creditors. Major asset protection tool for married debtors filing individually.

6. Retirement — 42 Pa. C.S. § 8124(b)

PA also exempts retirement accounts under state law.

7. Domicile Requirement

730-day rule under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3) applies.

8. Joint Filers

Both spouses must use the same system (state or federal) — cannot mix.

This is legal information, not legal advice.