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Wage garnishment and child support: federal CCPA caps and what shows on a stub

10 min read · published 2026-05-05 · updated 2026-05-05

When a court orders an employer to deduct wages, federal law caps the exposure to a percentage of disposable earnings. Here is the framework, the caps, and the questions to ask if a deduction you do not recognize appears on your stub.

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The federal cap framework

The Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) limits the portion of an employee's disposable earnings that may be garnished in any workweek. Disposable earnings means gross pay minus deductions required by law (federal, state, local, FICA). Voluntary deductions are not subtracted.

Most consumer garnishments — 25% / 30× rule

The garnishment is capped at the lesser of (a) 25% of disposable earnings, or (b) the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage per week ($217.50 at $7.25/hr).

Child support and alimony — different caps

Up to 50% of disposable earnings if you are supporting another spouse or child not covered by the order.
Up to 60% if you are not supporting another spouse or child.
Add 5% if more than 12 weeks in arrears (so 55% / 65% maximums).

Federal IRS levies and student loan defaults — different rules

IRS tax levies use Publication 1494 tables — based on filing status and exemptions, with a portion of disposable income protected. Defaulted federal student loan administrative wage garnishment is capped at 15% of disposable income.

State caps may be stricter

States can be more protective than federal. Consumer-friendly states (CA, NY, MA, CT, RI, etc.) often cap consumer garnishments lower than 25%. A handful of states (TX, PA, NC, SC) prohibit consumer garnishments altogether (with exceptions for taxes, child support, and student loans).

What appears on a US pay stub

Common line names: "Garnishment," "Wage garnishment," "Child support," "IWO" (income withholding order), "Levy," "Admin garnishment." If a deduction appears that you do not recognize, ask payroll for a copy of the order or document used to set it up — they are required to retain it.

Common confusion

A "garnishment fee" can be charged by some employers per pay period (typically capped by state law) — small but real.
An old creditor judgment can produce a garnishment that survives bankruptcy if it was non-dischargeable.
Joint-spouse debt does NOT make your wages garnishable for the spouse's separate debt — but joint accounts are vulnerable.

When to act

If a garnishment appears: ask payroll for the order, verify the case number and amount, and consult a consumer-debt attorney. If you believe it is in error, the issuing court is the venue to contest it.