How much of my wages can be garnished in New Jersey?

New Jersey caps ordinary garnishment more tightly than federal law and gives courts discretion to reduce further.

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. New Jersey Rule

N.J. Stat. § 2A:17-56 caps wage execution at 10% of gross wages if the debtor's income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level for the household size. For income above that threshold, the court may order up to the federal CCPA maximum (25%/30×-FMW). § 2A:17-50 allows the court to reduce the amount upon application showing hardship.

3. Special Categories

Child/spousal support: Up to 50-65% under 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b) and N.J. Stat. § 2A:17-56.8 (Income Withholding for Support).

IRS levy: 26 U.S.C. § 6334.

Federal student loans: 15% under 20 U.S.C. § 1095a.

State tax: N.J. Stat. § 54:49-13 — Division of Taxation may issue a Certificate of Debt and pursue wage garnishment.

4. Head-of-Household Exemption

The 250%-of-poverty / 10% formula effectively functions as a low-income/family exemption.

5. Process

Creditor moves on notice for a wage execution under N.J. Court Rule 4:59-1 and § 2A:17-50. Debtor receives notice and has 10 days to object. The court holds a hearing if the debtor claims hardship; the order may be reduced or denied.

6. Multiple Garnishments

Support orders have priority. Among ordinary executions, the first served collects until paid; later ones queue under § 2A:17-52.

7. Employer Anti-Retaliation

15 U.S.C. § 1674 prohibits firing for a single garnishment. N.J. Stat. § 2A:17-56.12 specifically prohibits discharge for support withholding.

8. Bank Garnishment vs Wage Garnishment

Bank levies use a writ of execution under R. 4:59-1. N.J. Stat. § 2A:17-19 offers limited wildcard exemptions; federal benefits remain protected under 31 C.F.R. Part 212.

This is legal information, not legal advice.