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Title 15, Chapter 41 · Subchapter II

Restrictions on Garnishment

Source inventory verified · briefs review-gated

Federal wage-garnishment protections

Subchapter II limits the amount of an individual’s disposable earnings that may be garnished in covered situations and restricts discharge from employment because earnings were garnished for a single indebtedness.

15 U.S.C. §§ 1671–1677 · 7 listed sections
Open official Subchapter II ↗
Select any section to read the current official text. The briefing beside each citation is a short educational orientation only; applicability, exceptions, dates, and remedies must be confirmed in the linked source and with qualified counsel when needed.
Who this law generally covers

Scope at a glance

  • Garnishment of an individual’s disposable earnings
  • Specified employer conduct connected with garnishment
  • Federal enforcement and interaction with more protective state law
Core statutory themes

Key protections

  • Federal ceilings for covered garnishments
  • A specified employment protection involving garnishment for one indebtedness
  • Preservation of state laws that provide greater restrictions
Practical education guide

Review a wage-garnishment notice

Garnishment can involve federal and state exemptions, court procedures, and urgent deadlines.

  1. 01

    Save the summons, judgment, garnishment order, pay stubs, and employer notice.

  2. 02

    Identify the court, creditor, debt type, amount, hearing date, and response deadline.

  3. 03

    Calculate disposable earnings only after reviewing the statutory definition and applicable deductions.

  4. 04

    Check both Subchapter II and your state’s exemption and procedure rules.

  5. 05

    Contact a licensed attorney or legal-aid organization promptly if wages are already being withheld or a hearing deadline is near.

Read before acting

Important information

  • Different rules may apply to support orders, taxes, bankruptcy orders, and other debt types.
  • State law may provide stronger protection than the federal ceiling.
  • DJC does not calculate exemptions or provide court representation.

Related regulations

No single CFR center is assigned here; check the official subchapter and applicable agency guidance.

Official help

U.S. Department of Labor — Wage garnishment↗Legal Services Corporation — find legal aid↗
Subchapter II

All sections

§§ 1671–1677
15 U.S.C. § 1671

Congressional findings and declaration of purpose

Provides the federal statutory framework concerning congressional findings and declaration of purpose. Open the official U.S. Code text for the operative language, definitions, exceptions, and amendments.

Read 15 U.S.C. § 1671 at the official U.S. Code ↗
15 U.S.C. § 1673

Restriction on garnishment

Provides the federal statutory framework concerning restriction on garnishment. Open the official U.S. Code text for the operative language, definitions, exceptions, and amendments.

Read 15 U.S.C. § 1673 at the official U.S. Code ↗
15 U.S.C. § 1674

Restriction on discharge from employment by reason of garnishment

Provides the federal statutory framework concerning restriction on discharge from employment by reason of garnishment. Open the official U.S. Code text for the operative language, definitions, exceptions, and amendments.

Read 15 U.S.C. § 1674 at the official U.S. Code ↗
15 U.S.C. § 1675

Exemption for State-regulated garnishments

Provides the federal statutory framework concerning exemption for State-regulated garnishments. Open the official U.S. Code text for the operative language, definitions, exceptions, and amendments.

Read 15 U.S.C. § 1675 at the official U.S. Code ↗
15 U.S.C. § 1676

Enforcement by Secretary of Labor

Provides the federal statutory framework concerning enforcement by Secretary of Labor. Open the official U.S. Code text for the operative language, definitions, exceptions, and amendments.

Read 15 U.S.C. § 1676 at the official U.S. Code ↗
15 U.S.C. § 1677

Effect on State laws

Provides the federal statutory framework concerning effect on State laws. Open the official U.S. Code text for the operative language, definitions, exceptions, and amendments.

Read 15 U.S.C. § 1677 at the official U.S. Code ↗
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