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How much of my wages can be garnished in Michigan?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-18

Michigan applies the federal CCPA formula with procedural protections under the Michigan Court Rules.

1. Federal Floor

15 U.S.C. § 1673(a) caps garnishment at the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or amount above 30× federal minimum wage ($217.50/week).

2. Michigan Rule

MCL 600.4012 ties the state's garnishment limits to the federal CCPA cap. MCR 3.101 (Garnishment After Judgment) sets procedure. A periodic garnishment writ remains in effect for 182 days (6 months) under MCR 3.101(B)(1)(a)(ii); creditors must file a new writ to continue.

3. Special Categories

  • Child/spousal support: Up to 50-65% under 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b) and MCL 552.611 (Income Withholding).
  • IRS levy: 26 U.S.C. § 6334.
  • Federal student loans: 15% under 20 U.S.C. § 1095a.
  • State tax: MCL 205.25 — Department of Treasury wage levy authority. Income tax refunds may be intercepted under MCL 600.4061a.

    • 4. Head-of-Household Exemption

    Michigan has no head-of-household exemption. Debtors may seek installment payment orders under MCL 600.6201 to suspend garnishment.

    5. Process

    Creditor files a Request and Writ for Garnishment (Form MC 12 or MC 13) under MCR 3.101(D). Employer disclosure due within 14 days. Debtor receives a copy with Objections to Garnishment (Form MC 49) — must be filed within 14 days of receiving the disclosure to claim exemptions.

    6. Multiple Garnishments

    Garnishments are processed in order of service. Only one periodic garnishment satisfies at a time; subsequent writs queue. Support orders have priority and bypass the queue.

    7. Employer Anti-Retaliation

    15 U.S.C. § 1674 prohibits firing for a single garnishment. MCL 408.477 (Payment of Wages and Fringe Benefits Act) provides additional remedies for retaliation.

    8. Bank Garnishment vs Wage Garnishment

    A non-periodic garnishment (MC 13) levies bank accounts as a one-time snapshot. MCL 600.6023(1)(f) exempts $1,000 wildcard plus federal benefit protections under 31 C.F.R. Part 212.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Installment order needed to suspend garnishment
    • Bank levy that swept Social Security funds
    • Garnishment from out-of-state judgment domesticated in Michigan
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • MCL 600.4012
    • MCL 600.6023
    • MCR 3.101
    • 15 U.S.C. § 1673

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.