California Wage Garnishment Calculator 2026 — How Much Can Be Taken?

In California, wage garnishment for consumer debts is limited to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed $217.50 per week under federal CCPA rules — but child support withholding can take up to 60–65% of disposable earnings with priority over all other garnishments.

California enacted SB 1477 (effective September 1, 2023), making consumer debt garnishment STRICTER than federal law: the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings or 40% of the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 48 times the state minimum wage per week. Child support and alimony withholding follow federal CCPA rates. California employers receive an Earnings Withholding Order (EWO) and must begin withholding within 10 days.

Wage garnishment in California is governed by a combination of federal law — the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) — and California state statutes. For child support and alimony, the limits are higher: up to 50% of disposable earnings if the person supports another family, or 60% if they do not, with an additional 5% if arrears are 12+ weeks past due.

Disposable earnings — the base for all garnishment calculations — are your gross wages minus legally required deductions: federal income tax withholding, state income tax withholding, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes. Voluntary deductions such as 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums you elect, and union dues do not reduce disposable earnings for garnishment purposes.

California Wage Garnishment Limits at a Glance

Obligation TypeMaximum WithholdingGoverning Law
Child support (supporting another family)50% of disposable earningsFederal CCPA §1673(b)
Child support (no other dependents)60% of disposable earningsFederal CCPA §1673(b)
Child support (12+ weeks arrears)+5% surcharge on aboveFederal CCPA §1673(b)
Consumer debt (default judgment)25% of disposable or 30×min wage excess (California may be lower)CCPA + California state law
Federal tax debt (IRS levy)Amount above exempt threshold (varies by dependents)IRC §6334
Student loan (federal)Up to 15% of disposable earnings20 U.S.C. §1095a

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the wage garnishment limit in California?
California SB 1477 (2023) imposes stricter consumer debt limits than federal law: the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings or 40% of earnings above 48 times the state minimum wage per week (~$1,152/week protected at $24/hr). For child support, federal CCPA applies: up to 50–65% of disposable earnings.
Is California's garnishment limit stricter than federal?
Yes, for consumer debts. SB 1477 (effective Sept 1, 2023) replaced the old 25%/30×min wage federal standard with a more protective 20%/48×min wage formula for California consumer debt judgments.
What is an Earnings Withholding Order (EWO) in California?
An EWO is the California court-issued order sent to your employer directing it to withhold wages. Employers must begin withholding within 10 days of receiving the EWO.
Can a creditor garnish my wages without a court order in California?
Generally no. For most consumer debts, the creditor must first obtain a court judgment, then apply for an EWO. Exceptions include the IRS (administrative levy), child support agencies (income withholding orders), and student loan agencies.
Are there wages that cannot be garnished in California?
Federal exempt benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA disability) are generally protected. State exempt income includes CalWORKs, SDI, and similar public benefits. The SB 1477 floor also means low-wage workers keep more of their pay than under federal law.
How long does a wage garnishment last in California?
A consumer debt garnishment continues until the judgment is paid in full, a claim of exemption is granted, or the judgment is vacated. Child support income withholding continues as long as the support order is in effect.

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