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How much of my wages can be garnished in Minnesota?

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

Minnesota uses the federal 25% cap but a higher 40x state-or-federal minimum wage floor.

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. Minnesota Rule

Minn. Stat. § 571.922 caps garnishment at the lesser of:

  • 25% of disposable earnings; or
  • The amount by which disposable earnings exceed 40 times the greater of the federal or state minimum hourly wage.

    • Minnesota's state minimum (large employer) is $11.13/hr for 2026, giving a floor near $445/week. Minn. Stat. § 550.37 subd. 14 also provides a 6-month wage exemption for individuals who received public assistance (SSI, MFIP, GA) within the last 6 months — making earnings during that recovery period fully exempt.

    3. Special Categories

  • Child/spousal support: Up to 50-65% under 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b) and Minn. Stat. § 518A.53 (Income Withholding).
  • IRS levy: 26 U.S.C. § 6334.
  • Federal student loans: 15% under 20 U.S.C. § 1095a.
  • State tax: Minn. Stat. § 270C.67 — Department of Revenue wage levy.

    • 4. Head-of-Household Exemption

    No separate head-of-household exemption, but the public-assistance recipient exemption operates similarly for vulnerable debtors.

    5. Process

    Under Minnesota's debtor-friendly system, creditor must send a pre-garnishment exemption notice (Form per § 571.72) at least 10 days before serving the garnishment summons. Garnishment summons served on employer per § 571.71. Debtor returns Exemption Notice within 10 days.

    6. Multiple Garnishments

    Support orders have priority. Only one ordinary garnishment satisfies at a time under § 571.79; subsequent garnishments queue.

    7. Employer Anti-Retaliation

    15 U.S.C. § 1674 prohibits firing for a single garnishment. Minn. Stat. § 571.927 echoes this.

    8. Bank Garnishment vs Wage Garnishment

    Bank account garnishment uses the same § 571.71 process. Federal benefits remain protected under 31 C.F.R. Part 212. Public-assistance-recipient earnings (deposited within last 60 days) are traceable and exempt under § 550.37 subd. 14.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Recent public-assistance recipient facing garnishment
    • Bank levy of traceable benefit deposits
    • Multiple successive garnishments by same creditor
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Minn. Stat. § 571.922
    • Minn. Stat. § 550.37
    • Minn. Stat. § 571.71
    • 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.