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How much of my wages can be garnished in Ohio?

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

Ohio applies the federal CCPA limits but adds important procedural protections.

1. Federal Floor

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

2. Ohio Rule

Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.66(A)(13) adopts the federal CCPA cap, and § 2716.02 requires creditors to send a written demand at least 15 days but no more than 45 days before filing a garnishment seeking payment. Failure to send this Court Form 5.2 notice voids the garnishment.

3. Special Categories

  • Child/spousal support: Up to 50-65% under 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b) and Ohio Rev. Code § 3121.03 (income withholding for support).
  • IRS levy: 26 U.S.C. § 6334.
  • Federal student loans: 15% under 20 U.S.C. § 1095a.
  • State tax: Ohio Rev. Code § 5747.121 — Department of Taxation continuous wage withholding follows CCPA caps.

    • 4. Head-of-Household Exemption

    Ohio has no head-of-household exemption. Debtors with hardship may negotiate directly with the creditor or file a motion to vacate.

    5. Process

    After the 15-day pre-garnishment notice, creditor files an Affidavit and Order/Notice of Garnishment of Personal Earnings under § 2716.03. Employer receives the Order and begins withholding pay periods. Debtor may request a hearing within 5 business days under § 2716.06 to claim exemptions.

    6. Multiple Garnishments

    Only one garnishment of personal earnings is in effect at a time under § 2716.05. Subsequent garnishments queue behind the current one (180-day window). Support orders have priority and bypass the queue.

    7. Employer Anti-Retaliation

    15 U.S.C. § 1674 prohibits firing for a single garnishment; Ohio Rev. Code § 2716.05(C) echoes this protection and provides a private right of action.

    8. Bank Garnishment vs Wage Garnishment

    Bank account garnishment is separate under § 2716.11 (garnishment of property other than personal earnings). § 2329.66(A)(4)(a) exempts $500 in any deposit account. Social Security and other federal benefits remain protected by 31 C.F.R. Part 212.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Garnishment filed without the required 15-day notice
    • Bank account fully frozen by garnishment
    • Multiple creditors trying to garnish concurrently
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Ohio Rev. Code § 2716.02
    • Ohio Rev. Code § 2716.03
    • Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.66
    • 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.