Virginia Wage Garnishment Calculator 2026 — How Much Can Be Taken?
In Virginia, 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.
Wage garnishment in Virginia is governed by a combination of federal law — the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) — and Virginia 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.
Virginia Wage Garnishment Limits at a Glance
| Obligation Type | Maximum Withholding | Governing Law |
|---|
| Child support (supporting another family) | 50% of disposable earnings | Federal CCPA §1673(b) |
| Child support (no other dependents) | 60% of disposable earnings | Federal CCPA §1673(b) |
| Child support (12+ weeks arrears) | +5% surcharge on above | Federal CCPA §1673(b) |
| Consumer debt (default judgment) | 25% of disposable or 30×min wage excess (Virginia may be lower) | CCPA + Virginia state law |
| Federal tax debt (IRS levy) | Amount above exempt threshold (varies by dependents) | IRC §6334 |
| Student loan (federal) | Up to 15% of disposable earnings | 20 U.S.C. §1095a |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the wage garnishment limit in Virginia?
- For consumer debts in Virginia, the federal CCPA limit applies: the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage per week ($217.50/week in 2026). Virginia may have a lower state limit for certain debt types. Child support and tax levies follow their own, higher limits.
- Can a creditor garnish my wages without a court order in Virginia?
- Generally, no. For most consumer debts, a creditor must first sue you, obtain a judgment, and then apply for a garnishment order from the court. Exceptions include the IRS (which can levy wages with administrative notice only), and child support agencies (which can issue income withholding orders directly without a separate lawsuit under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act).
- Are there wages that cannot be garnished in Virginia?
- Federal law exempts the first 30 × minimum wage per week (about $217.50/week in 2026) of disposable earnings from most consumer garnishments. Social Security benefits, SSI, VA disability compensation, and certain other federal benefit payments are generally exempt from consumer debt garnishments (though not from federal tax levies or child support withholding).
- How does child support wage withholding work in Virginia?
- In Virginia, a child support income withholding order is sent directly to your employer under Va. Code §20-108.2. Your employer must begin withholding within 14 days of receiving the order and remit the amount to the state disbursement unit. Up to 50% of disposable earnings can be withheld if you support another spouse or child, or 60% if you do not, plus 5% if you are 12+ weeks in arrears.
- Can I claim an exemption from wage garnishment in Virginia?
- You can file a claim of exemption if your income is at or near the federal minimum protected level ($217.50/week). Some states also provide additional head-of-household exemptions or other protections. You typically have a short window (often 10–30 days) to file a claim of exemption after being served with the garnishment notice. Act quickly — missing the deadline usually waives the exemption.
- How long does a wage garnishment last in Virginia?
- A wage garnishment continues until the debt is paid in full, the underlying judgment is vacated, you file a successful claim of exemption, or a bankruptcy stay is entered. Child support withholding continues for as long as the child support order is in effect and there are arrears or current support owed.
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