{
  "verified": "2026-06-25",
  "license": "Self-help procedural information, not legal advice. Verify cites against published code.",
  "federal": {
    "cap": {
      "pct": 0.25,
      "fedMinWage": 7.25,
      "floorMult": 30,
      "floorWeekly": 217.5,
      "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
      "note": "This federal cap is a floor, not a ceiling on your protection — many states protect MORE. Child support, alimony, federal student loans, and federal/state taxes follow different, higher limits."
    },
    "protected": [
      {
        "name": "Social Security (retirement & survivors)",
        "cite": "42 U.S.C. § 407(a)",
        "note": "Exempt from ordinary-creditor garnishment, including after deposit into a bank account, as long as the funds are traceable."
      },
      {
        "name": "Supplemental Security Income (SSI)",
        "cite": "42 U.S.C. § 1383(d)(1)",
        "note": "SSI is fully protected. SSI in a bank account is exempt — but banks routinely freeze it anyway; you may have to file to get it released."
      },
      {
        "name": "Social Security Disability (SSDI)",
        "cite": "42 U.S.C. § 407(a)",
        "note": "Same protection as Social Security retirement."
      },
      {
        "name": "Veterans (VA) benefits",
        "cite": "38 U.S.C. § 5301(a)",
        "note": "VA disability and pension benefits are exempt from creditor claims."
      },
      {
        "name": "Federal civil-service & military retirement",
        "cite": "5 U.S.C. § 8346; 10 U.S.C. § 1440",
        "note": "Generally exempt from ordinary creditors (different rules apply for child/spousal support)."
      },
      {
        "name": "Railroad Retirement benefits",
        "cite": "45 U.S.C. § 231m",
        "note": "Exempt from creditor garnishment."
      },
      {
        "name": "Federal student aid (some)",
        "cite": "20 U.S.C. § 1095a",
        "note": "Federal student-loan collection itself follows separate administrative-wage-garnishment rules (capped at 15%), with its own hearing rights."
      }
    ],
    "bankRule": {
      "cite": "31 C.F.R. Part 212 (Garnishment of Accounts Containing Federal Benefit Payments)",
      "summary": "When a bank gets a garnishment order, federal rule REQUIRES it to look back 2 months and automatically protect federal benefit payments (Social Security, SSI, SSDI, VA, federal retirement, railroad retirement) that were directly deposited — without you filing anything. The protected amount stays accessible.",
      "gap": "The auto-protection only covers DIRECTLY-DEPOSITED federal benefits within the 2-month lookback. Benefits beyond 2 months of accumulation, benefits received by check then deposited, or funds commingled with non-exempt money are NOT auto-protected — for those you must file a claim of exemption to get the freeze lifted."
    },
    "automaticStay": {
      "cite": "11 U.S.C. § 362 (automatic stay)",
      "summary": "Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay the instant the petition is filed — it legally STOPS most wage garnishments and bank levies immediately, before any hearing. It can also let you recover certain amounts garnished in the 90 days before filing (preference). This is a powerful but consequential step with long-term credit and asset effects.",
      "whenAttorney": "Whether bankruptcy is the right lever (and Chapter 7 vs 13) depends on your whole financial picture, your assets, and your exemptions. This is exactly the decision to take to a bankruptcy attorney — do NOT decide it from a web page."
    }
  },
  "states": {
    "AL": {
      "state": "Alabama",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Alabama rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "AK": {
      "state": "Alaska",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Alaska rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "AZ": {
      "state": "Arizona",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Federal 25% cap — but an Arizona court can reduce it to 15% for hardship",
        "cite": "A.R.S. § 12-1598.10; § 33-1131",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Request for Hearing on Garnishment (Non-Exempt Earnings) / Request to Reduce",
        "where": "the Arizona court that issued the writ of garnishment",
        "deadline": "within 10 business days after you receive the garnishment papers (read the notice)",
        "deadlineDays": 10,
        "cite": "A.R.S. § 12-1598.07; § 12-1598.10",
        "steps": [
          "Read the garnishment papers for the hearing-request deadline.",
          "File a Request for Hearing to challenge the calculation or to ask the court to reduce the garnishment to 15% for hardship (A.R.S. § 12-1598.10).",
          "Bring a budget showing extreme hardship and proof of any exempt funds.",
          "Attend the hearing."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Arizona follows the federal 25% cap, but a debtor can ask the court to REDUCE the garnishment to 15% of disposable earnings on a showing of extreme economic hardship."
    },
    "AR": {
      "state": "Arkansas",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Arkansas rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "CA": {
      "state": "California",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Lesser of 25% of disposable, or the amount over 40× the applicable minimum wage",
        "cite": "Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 706.050",
        "mode": "pct",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Claim of Exemption (Form WG-006) + Financial Statement (Form WG-007) for wages; for a bank levy use Form EJ-160 + EJ-165",
        "where": "the LEVYING OFFICER (sheriff/marshal) named on the Earnings Withholding Order — not the court directly",
        "deadline": "within 10 days after the Earnings Withholding Order was served on your employer",
        "deadlineDays": 10,
        "cite": "Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 706.105 (wages); § 703.520 (bank levy)",
        "steps": [
          "Find the levying officer (sheriff/marshal) and case number on the Earnings Withholding Order or Notice of Levy.",
          "Complete Judicial Council Form WG-006 (Claim of Exemption) and WG-007 (Financial Statement) for a wage garnishment — or EJ-160 / EJ-165 for a bank levy.",
          "File/deliver it to the LEVYING OFFICER within 10 days of service on your employer (bank-levy timelines differ — act immediately).",
          "The levying officer notifies the creditor; if the creditor opposes within 10 days, the court sets a hearing — otherwise the garnishment is reduced or released.",
          "Bring proof of necessary living expenses and that the funds are needed for support of you/your family."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "California caps ordinary wage garnishment at the LESSER of 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 40 times the applicable (state or local) minimum hourly wage. Many California cities have a higher local minimum wage, which raises your protected floor."
    },
    "CO": {
      "state": "Colorado",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Greater of 80% of disposable or 40× state minimum wage is exempt (~20% reachable)",
        "cite": "Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-54-104",
        "mode": "pct",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Objection to garnishment / Claim of Exemption (served with the writ)",
        "where": "the Colorado court that issued the writ of continuing garnishment",
        "deadline": "within the time stated on the garnishment papers (act immediately)",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-54.5-108; § 13-54-104",
        "steps": [
          "The writ of continuing garnishment includes an objection/exemption form.",
          "Claim the 80% exemption (C.R.S. § 13-54-104) and any exempt funds.",
          "File with the court and serve the creditor within the stated time."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Colorado protects the greater of 80% of disposable earnings or 40 times the state minimum hourly wage, so an ordinary creditor can reach at most about 20% of disposable pay."
    },
    "CT": {
      "state": "Connecticut",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Connecticut rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "DE": {
      "state": "Delaware",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Delaware rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "FL": {
      "state": "Florida",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Head-of-family wages fully exempt (≤ $750/wk; above only with written consent); otherwise federal 25%",
        "cite": "Fla. Stat. § 222.11",
        "mode": "hoh",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": {
        "text": "Head of family = you provide more than one-half the support of a child or other dependent. Claim it by affidavit; the funds stay exempt when deposited if traceable.",
        "cite": "Fla. Stat. § 222.11; § 222.12"
      },
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Claim of Exemption and Request for Hearing (served with the writ) + Head-of-Family Affidavit",
        "where": "the Florida court (clerk) that issued the writ of garnishment",
        "deadline": "within 20 days after you receive the notice/claim form",
        "deadlineDays": 20,
        "cite": "Fla. Stat. § 77.041; § 222.12",
        "steps": [
          "The writ of garnishment must be served on you with a 'Claim of Exemption and Request for Hearing' form (Fla. Stat. § 77.041).",
          "Complete it and, if applicable, attach a Head-of-Family Affidavit (Fla. Stat. § 222.12) swearing you provide over half the support of a dependent.",
          "File it with the clerk of the issuing court WITHIN 20 DAYS of receiving the notice — this deadline is strict.",
          "Mail a copy to the creditor's attorney and the garnishee (employer/bank).",
          "If the creditor doesn't dispute it within the statutory window, the clerk dissolves the writ; if disputed, a hearing is set."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Florida gives a powerful HEAD-OF-FAMILY exemption: if you provide more than half the support of a child or dependent, your disposable wages of $750/week or less are 100% exempt, and amounts above $750/week are exempt UNLESS you agreed in writing to allow garnishment. Non-head-of-family workers get the federal 25% cap."
    },
    "GA": {
      "state": "Georgia",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Federal 25% cap (Georgia follows the CCPA)",
        "cite": "O.C.G.A. § 18-4-5",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Defendant's Traverse / Claim of Exemption",
        "where": "the Georgia court that issued the summons of garnishment",
        "deadline": "as stated on the garnishment papers — generally act within days, not weeks",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "O.C.G.A. § 18-4-15 (traverse); § 18-4-6 (exemptions)",
        "steps": [
          "Identify the issuing court and the answer date on the summons of garnishment.",
          "File a traverse/claim of exemption asserting the federal wage cap and any exempt funds (O.C.G.A. § 18-4-6).",
          "Serve the creditor and appear if a hearing is set."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Georgia follows the federal 25% / 30×-minimum-wage cap for ordinary debts. You assert exemptions and challenge garnishments by filing a traverse/claim."
    },
    "HI": {
      "state": "Hawaii",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Hawaii rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "ID": {
      "state": "Idaho",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Idaho rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "IL": {
      "state": "Illinois",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Lesser of 15% of gross weekly pay or the amount over 45× the Illinois minimum wage",
        "cite": "735 ILCS 5/12-803",
        "mode": "lesser",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Exemption claim raised at the return date of the Wage Deduction Summons / a Motion claiming exemptions",
        "where": "the Illinois court that issued the wage-deduction proceeding",
        "deadline": "at or before the return date stated on the Wage Deduction Summons / Notice",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "735 ILCS 5/12-805; 12-811",
        "steps": [
          "Read the Wage Deduction Summons for the return date — that is your deadline to appear and assert exemptions.",
          "File a written exemption claim asserting the 15%/45×-minimum-wage cap and any exempt funds.",
          "Appear at the return date (or as directed) and present proof of income and protected sources.",
          "For a bank citation to discover assets, claim the Illinois personal-property exemption and any federal benefits."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Illinois protects more than the federal floor: an ordinary creditor can take only the LESSER of 15% of gross weekly wages, or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 45 times the state minimum hourly wage."
    },
    "IN": {
      "state": "Indiana",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Indiana rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "IA": {
      "state": "Iowa",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Iowa rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "KS": {
      "state": "Kansas",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Kansas rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "KY": {
      "state": "Kentucky",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Kentucky rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "LA": {
      "state": "Louisiana",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Louisiana rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "ME": {
      "state": "Maine",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Maine rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "MD": {
      "state": "Maryland",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Federal 25% cap (most MD counties; a few counties protect more)",
        "cite": "Md. Code, Com. Law § 15-601.1",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Motion to release property / claim of exemption",
        "where": "the Maryland court that entered the judgment / issued the garnishment",
        "deadline": "within 30 days after the garnishee is served (read the notice)",
        "deadlineDays": 30,
        "cite": "Md. Rule 3-645 / 2-645; Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 11-504 (exemptions)",
        "steps": [
          "Identify the issuing court and the garnishment date.",
          "File a motion/claim asserting Maryland exemptions (CJP § 11-504, including the $6,000 wildcard if timely claimed) and any federal benefits.",
          "Serve the creditor and request a hearing."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Most Maryland counties follow the federal 25% / 30×-federal-minimum-wage cap. In Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Worcester counties the protected floor is 30× the state (not federal) minimum wage, which protects more."
    },
    "MA": {
      "state": "Massachusetts",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Only ~15% of gross can be taken (85% protected, or 50× state minimum wage if greater)",
        "cite": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 246, § 28",
        "mode": "pct",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Claim of exemption raised in the trustee-process / supplementary-process proceeding",
        "where": "the Massachusetts court handling the trustee process",
        "deadline": "within the time stated in the trustee-process notice",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 246, § 28; ch. 235, § 34 (exemptions)",
        "steps": [
          "Massachusetts collects via 'trustee process' — read the notice for the deadline.",
          "Assert the wage protection (ch. 246, § 28) and any exempt property (ch. 235, § 34) plus federal benefits.",
          "File with the court and serve the creditor."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Massachusetts protects the GREATER of 85% of gross wages or 50 times the state minimum hourly wage — so an ordinary creditor can reach at most about 15% of gross pay, well below the federal allowance."
    },
    "MI": {
      "state": "Michigan",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Federal 25% cap (Michigan follows the CCPA)",
        "cite": "Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5311; Mich. Ct. R. 3.101",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Objections to Garnishment (Form MC 49)",
        "where": "the Michigan court that issued the writ of garnishment",
        "deadline": "within 14 days after you are served with the garnishment",
        "deadlineDays": 14,
        "cite": "Mich. Ct. R. 3.101(K); Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5311",
        "steps": [
          "When served with the writ, you have 14 days to object (Form MC 49).",
          "State your objection (exempt funds, wrong amount, federal cap, bankruptcy, etc.).",
          "File with the court and mail copies to the creditor and garnishee within 14 days."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Michigan follows the federal 25% cap. Garnishments are periodic; you can file written objections within a short window after service."
    },
    "MN": {
      "state": "Minnesota",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Federal 25% cap (Minnesota protects the greater of 75% of disposable or 40× the federal minimum wage)",
        "cite": "Minn. Stat. § 571.922",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Exemption notice/claim (served with the garnishment) — return the exemption form",
        "where": "the creditor/attorney and the Minnesota court as the form directs",
        "deadline": "within 10 days of receiving the garnishment exemption notice",
        "deadlineDays": 10,
        "cite": "Minn. Stat. § 571.72; § 571.912 (exemption form)",
        "steps": [
          "Minnesota requires an exemption notice and form to be served before/with the garnishment.",
          "If you receive government assistance or the funds are exempt, complete and return the exemption form within 10 days.",
          "Attach proof (benefit statements / bank records) of protected funds."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Minnesota protects the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 40 times the federal minimum hourly wage. A low-income / public-assistance debtor may be fully exempt."
    },
    "MS": {
      "state": "Mississippi",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Mississippi rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "MO": {
      "state": "Missouri",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Head of family: 10% of disposable. Otherwise federal 25%",
        "cite": "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 525.030",
        "mode": "pct",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": {
        "text": "Head of family (supporting a spouse or dependent) caps ordinary wage garnishment at 10% of disposable earnings.",
        "cite": "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 525.030"
      },
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Claim of exemption / head-of-family declaration filed in the garnishment",
        "where": "the Missouri court that issued the garnishment",
        "deadline": "within the time stated on the garnishment notice",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 525.030; § 513.430 (exempt property)",
        "steps": [
          "Read the garnishment notice for the response deadline.",
          "File a claim asserting head-of-family status (10% cap) if it applies, plus any exempt-property and federal-benefit exemptions.",
          "Serve the creditor and request a hearing if contested."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Missouri gives a head-of-family wage exemption: if you are the head of a family, an ordinary creditor can take only 10% of your disposable earnings. Everyone else is at the federal 25% cap."
    },
    "MT": {
      "state": "Montana",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Montana rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "NE": {
      "state": "Nebraska",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Nebraska rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "NV": {
      "state": "Nevada",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Nevada rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "NH": {
      "state": "New Hampshire",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger New Hampshire rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "NJ": {
      "state": "New Jersey",
      "cap": {
        "label": "10% of income if at/below 250% of the federal poverty line; otherwise up to the federal 25%",
        "cite": "N.J.S.A. 2A:17-50; 2A:17-56",
        "mode": "pct",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Objection / motion to the wage-execution order",
        "where": "the New Jersey court that issued the wage execution",
        "deadline": "within 10 days of being served the notice of application for wage execution",
        "deadlineDays": 10,
        "cite": "N.J.S.A. 2A:17-51; R. 4:59-1",
        "steps": [
          "You should receive notice of the application for wage execution before it issues.",
          "Within 10 days, file a written objection if the 10% (low-income) limit applies or funds are exempt.",
          "Attend the hearing and present income proof."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "New Jersey limits ordinary wage garnishment to 10% of income when your income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level; above that, up to the federal 25% cap can apply. A court order sets the actual percentage."
    },
    "NM": {
      "state": "New Mexico",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger New Mexico rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "NY": {
      "state": "New York",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Lesser of 10% of gross income or 25% of disposable; nothing if disposable is below 30× the NY minimum wage",
        "cite": "N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 5231; § 5205(d)",
        "mode": "lesser",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Exemption Claim Form (sent by the bank with the restraining notice under EIPA) for a bank levy; for wages, raise exemptions with the issuing court/sheriff",
        "where": "the bank (return the EIPA exemption claim form) and/or the issuing court",
        "deadline": "return the EIPA bank exemption claim form within 20 days of its postmark",
        "deadlineDays": 20,
        "cite": "N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 5222-a (EIPA); § 5231",
        "steps": [
          "On a bank levy, EIPA requires the bank to mail you an Exemption Claim Form and to protect a statutory baseline (indexed periodically — confirm the current figure, recently around the mid-$3,000s) automatically.",
          "Complete and return the Exemption Claim Form to the bank within 20 days of the postmark, attaching proof (e.g., bank statements showing Social Security/SSI/VA direct deposits).",
          "If the funds are exempt federal benefits, say so explicitly — the bank must release them.",
          "For a wage income execution, the sheriff/marshal collects via your employer; raise excess or exempt-source objections with the issuing court."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "New York income executions take the LESSER of 10% of gross income or 25% of disposable earnings, and nothing at all if your weekly disposable pay is below 30 times the NY minimum wage. New York's Exempt Income Protection Act (EIPA) also forces banks to protect a baseline amount automatically."
    },
    "NC": {
      "state": "North Carolina",
      "cap": {
        "label": "No wage garnishment for ordinary debts",
        "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-362",
        "mode": "none",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": {
        "text": "Earnings for personal services within the last 60 days, where needed for the support of a family the debtor supports, are exempt.",
        "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-362"
      },
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Motion to claim exemptions / Designation of exempt property",
        "where": "the North Carolina court that entered the judgment",
        "deadline": "within 20 days of being served the Notice of Right to Have Exemptions Designated",
        "deadlineDays": 20,
        "cite": "N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1C-1603",
        "steps": [
          "NC wages can't be garnished for ordinary debt; watch instead for a bank levy or property execution.",
          "When you get the Notice of Right to Have Exemptions Designated, you have 20 days to respond — do not ignore it.",
          "File the statutory exemption (Motion to Claim Exempt Property, AOC-CV-415) claiming the NC homestead/personal-property exemptions and any federal benefits.",
          "Return it to the clerk within the 20-day window and keep a stamped copy."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "North Carolina does NOT allow wage garnishment for ordinary consumer debts. Only taxes, child support, federal student loans, and certain public-hospital/ambulance bills can reach wages."
    },
    "ND": {
      "state": "North Dakota",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger North Dakota rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "OH": {
      "state": "Ohio",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Federal 25% cap (Ohio follows the CCPA)",
        "cite": "Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.66; § 2716.13",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Request for Hearing (in response to the garnishment notice)",
        "where": "the Ohio court that issued the order of garnishment",
        "deadline": "within the time stated on the notice (request a hearing promptly)",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Ohio Rev. Code § 2716.06; § 2329.66 (exemptions)",
        "steps": [
          "After the creditor's 15-day demand and the garnishment order, you may request a hearing.",
          "Assert Ohio exemptions (Ohio Rev. Code § 2329.66), the federal wage cap, and any protected benefits.",
          "File the hearing request with the court within the stated time."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Ohio follows the federal 25% / 30×-minimum-wage cap. Before a wage garnishment, the creditor must send a 15-day demand; you can request a hearing to assert exemptions."
    },
    "OK": {
      "state": "Oklahoma",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Oklahoma rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "OR": {
      "state": "Oregon",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Greater of 75% of disposable or ~$254/week is exempt",
        "cite": "Or. Rev. Stat. § 18.385",
        "mode": "pct",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Challenge to Garnishment form (delivered with the garnishment)",
        "where": "the court administrator / the entity that issued the writ, as stated on the form",
        "deadline": "within 120 days for wages / 30 days for other property after you receive the garnishment notice (read the form)",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Or. Rev. Stat. § 18.700 (challenge to garnishment)",
        "steps": [
          "Oregon garnishments come with a 'Challenge to Garnishment' form and instructions (ORS § 18.700).",
          "Complete it asserting the wage exemption (ORS § 18.385) and any exempt funds.",
          "Deliver/file it as the form directs within the stated deadline.",
          "A hearing is set if the creditor disputes your challenge."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Oregon exempts the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or a weekly dollar floor (recently $254/week), so an ordinary creditor reaches at most 25% and never drops you below the weekly floor."
    },
    "PA": {
      "state": "Pennsylvania",
      "cap": {
        "label": "No wage garnishment for most consumer debts",
        "cite": "42 Pa. C.S. § 8127",
        "mode": "none",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Claim for Exemption (bank-attachment) / Petition to Open or Strike, depending on what is seized",
        "where": "the Court of Common Pleas that entered the judgment",
        "deadline": "within the time stated on the notice you receive (often a short window — read it the day you get it)",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Pa. R.C.P. 3123 (exemption from attachment); 42 Pa. C.S. § 8127",
        "steps": [
          "Pennsylvania wages are generally NOT garnishable for consumer debt — a seizure usually means a bank attachment, not a paycheck deduction.",
          "Read the notice for the deadline to claim exemptions and request a hearing.",
          "File a Claim for Exemption with the Court of Common Pleas asserting protected property (the $300 general exemption under 42 Pa. C.S. § 8123, plus any Social Security/VA funds).",
          "Serve the creditor and request a prompt hearing."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Pennsylvania does NOT permit wage garnishment for most consumer debts. Exceptions: support, certain taxes, student loans, restitution, and limited residential-lease (back-rent) judgments."
    },
    "RI": {
      "state": "Rhode Island",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Rhode Island rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "SC": {
      "state": "South Carolina",
      "cap": {
        "label": "No wage garnishment for consumer debts",
        "cite": "S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-104; § 15-39-410",
        "mode": "none",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Claim of exemption (bank/property) — no consumer wage form because wages are not garnishable",
        "where": "the South Carolina court that entered the judgment",
        "deadline": "within the time stated on the notice",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "S.C. Code Ann. § 15-41-30 (exempt property)",
        "steps": [
          "Consumer wages are not garnishable in SC — a seizure means a bank levy or property execution.",
          "Identify the judgment court and the notice deadline.",
          "Claim the SC personal-property and homestead exemptions (S.C. Code § 15-41-30) plus any federal benefits.",
          "File with the court and serve the creditor before the deadline."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "South Carolina does NOT allow wage garnishment for consumer debts. Only taxes, child support, and federal student loans can garnish SC wages."
    },
    "SD": {
      "state": "South Dakota",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger South Dakota rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "TN": {
      "state": "Tennessee",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Tennessee rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "TX": {
      "state": "Texas",
      "cap": {
        "label": "No wage garnishment for ordinary consumer debts",
        "cite": "Tex. Const. art. XVI, § 28; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 63.004",
        "mode": "none",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": {
        "text": "Texas current wages for personal services are constitutionally exempt — and stay exempt for a period after deposit if they remain traceable as wages.",
        "cite": "Tex. Const. art. XVI, § 28; Tex. Prop. Code § 42.001"
      },
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Motion to Dissolve or Modify Writ of Garnishment (no statewide form number — a sworn motion)",
        "where": "the court that issued the writ of garnishment (a bank-account garnishment)",
        "deadline": "promptly after you receive notice of the garnishment; a garnishment defendant may move to dissolve at any time while the case is pending",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Tex. R. Civ. P. 664a",
        "steps": [
          "Confirm what is being seized: in Texas a paycheck cannot be garnished for an ordinary debt, so a garnishment usually targets a BANK ACCOUNT.",
          "Identify the court and cause number on the writ of garnishment served on your bank.",
          "File a sworn Motion to Dissolve the Writ of Garnishment (Tex. R. Civ. P. 664a) stating the funds are exempt (e.g., wages, Social Security, or other exempt property under Tex. Prop. Code ch. 42).",
          "Serve a copy on the creditor's attorney and the garnishee bank; request a hearing — the court must set it promptly.",
          "Bring proof the funds are exempt (deposit records tracing the funds to wages or to Social Security/VA/other protected sources)."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Texas does NOT allow wage garnishment for ordinary consumer debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans). Only child/spousal support, federal taxes, federally-guaranteed student loans, and court-ordered restitution can garnish Texas wages."
    },
    "UT": {
      "state": "Utah",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Utah rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "VT": {
      "state": "Vermont",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Vermont rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "VA": {
      "state": "Virginia",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Federal 25% cap (Virginia follows the CCPA)",
        "cite": "Va. Code § 34-29",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Claim of Exemption / Homestead Deed (Form CC-1463 Request for Hearing-Garnishment Exemption Claim)",
        "where": "the Virginia court that issued the garnishment summons",
        "deadline": "as stated on the garnishment summons — request a hearing promptly",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Va. Code § 34-4 (homestead); § 8.01-512.4 (notice)",
        "steps": [
          "Read the garnishment summons for the return date.",
          "File a claim of exemption (and, if needed, record a homestead deed) asserting Virginia exemptions and the federal wage cap.",
          "Request a hearing and bring proof of any protected funds."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Virginia follows the federal 25% / 30×-minimum-wage cap. You can claim Virginia's homestead exemption and protected funds."
    },
    "WA": {
      "state": "Washington",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Consumer debt: only ~20% of disposable can be taken (80% protected, or 35× state minimum wage if greater)",
        "cite": "RCW 6.27.150",
        "mode": "pct",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Exemption claim (Washington provides a statutory claim-of-exemption form served with the writ)",
        "where": "the Washington court that issued the writ of garnishment",
        "deadline": "within the time stated on the exemption claim form served with the writ (act immediately)",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "RCW 6.27.160 (claim of exemption)",
        "steps": [
          "The writ of garnishment is served with an exemption-claim form (RCW 6.27.160).",
          "Complete it claiming the consumer-debt wage protection (RCW 6.27.150) and any exempt funds.",
          "File it with the issuing court and serve the creditor within the stated time.",
          "If contested, the court holds a hearing to determine the exempt amount."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Washington protects more than the federal floor for consumer debt: the exempt amount is the GREATER of 80% of disposable earnings or 35 times the state minimum hourly wage — so an ordinary creditor can reach at most about 20% of disposable pay."
    },
    "WV": {
      "state": "West Virginia",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger West Virginia rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    },
    "WI": {
      "state": "Wisconsin",
      "cap": {
        "label": "Only ~20% of disposable can be taken (80% protected; full exemption if below the poverty line)",
        "cite": "Wis. Stat. § 812.34",
        "mode": "pct",
        "verified": true
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": {
        "form": "Debtor's answer / exemption claim served with the earnings-garnishment notice",
        "where": "the Wisconsin court that issued the earnings garnishment",
        "deadline": "within the time stated on the earnings-garnishment notice (act immediately)",
        "deadlineDays": null,
        "cite": "Wis. Stat. § 812.37; § 812.44 (forms)",
        "steps": [
          "The earnings-garnishment papers include a debtor's-answer/exemption form (Wis. Stat. § 812.44).",
          "Claim the 80% exemption, the poverty exemption if your income qualifies, and any federal benefits.",
          "Return it to the court and the creditor within the stated time."
        ]
      },
      "summary": "Wisconsin exempts 80% of disposable earnings (so a creditor can reach at most ~20%), and provides a full exemption if garnishment would push your income below the federal poverty line."
    },
    "WY": {
      "state": "Wyoming",
      "cap": {
        "label": "At least the federal cap applies (a stronger Wyoming rule has not been individually verified)",
        "cite": "15 U.S.C. § 1673 (Consumer Credit Protection Act); 29 C.F.R. § 870",
        "mode": "federal",
        "verified": false
      },
      "headOfHousehold": null,
      "claimOfExemption": null,
      "summary": null
    }
  }
}