How much of my wages can be garnished in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is one of four states (with TX, NC, SC) that bars most ordinary creditor wage garnishment.

1. Federal Floor

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

2. Pennsylvania Rule

42 Pa.C.S. § 8127(a) provides that "wages, salaries and commissions... shall be exempt from attachment, execution or other process," subject to listed exceptions:

Spousal/child support (§ 8127(a)(1));

Obligations relating to a final divorce distribution (§ 8127(a)(2));

Board for four weeks or less (§ 8127(a)(3));

Student loans, including PHEAA loans (§ 8127(a)(5));

Court-ordered restitution in a criminal case (§ 8127(a)(6));

Restitution of crime victims under § 477h (§ 8127(a)(7));

Federal/state taxes;

Back rent on residential lease under certain conditions (§ 8127(a)(3.1)).

A typical credit-card or medical judgment creditor cannot garnish wages in Pennsylvania.

3. Special Categories

Child/spousal support: Up to 50-65% under 23 Pa.C.S. § 4348 (income withholding for support).

IRS levy: 26 U.S.C. § 6334.

Federal student loans: 15% under 20 U.S.C. § 1095a (administrative wage garnishment).

State tax: 72 P.S. § 10003.5 — Department of Revenue may issue wage attachment for delinquent taxes.

4. Head-of-Household Exemption

Not necessary — wages are protected from ordinary creditors regardless of household status.

5. Process (Permitted Categories)

For support: Domestic Relations Section issues income withholding order. For taxes/student loans, federal/state administrative process applies. For permitted private claims (e.g., 4 weeks' board), the creditor obtains a judgment then issues a writ of attachment under Pa.R.Civ.P. 3101 et seq.

6. Multiple Garnishments

Support has top priority. Listed exceptions are served in order of receipt.

7. Employer Anti-Retaliation

15 U.S.C. § 1674 prohibits firing for a single garnishment; 23 Pa.C.S. § 4348(j) specifically forbids discharge for support withholding.

8. Bank Garnishment vs Wage Garnishment

Pennsylvania allows bank garnishment by judgment creditors. Wages remain exempt for a limited period after deposit if traceable, but commingling weakens the trace. Federal benefits (SSI, SS, VA) are protected by 31 C.F.R. Part 212 with a two-month auto-protect rule.

This is legal information, not legal advice.