Garnishment of Wages

Both Pennsylvania and Federal Laws apply to the garnishment of employee wages. Under Pennsylvania Law, wages and earnings of employees may not be garnished or attached except for repayment of student loans, child & spousal support and to collect unpaid taxes. 42 Pa.C.S.A §8127. Under the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA), employees are protected from discharge by their employers because their wages have been garnished for any one debt, and limits are imposed on the amount of an employee’s earnings that may be garnished in any one week. The Department of Labor has published guidance on the limitations imposed on wage garnishment.   Fact Sheet # 30 also describes the amount that may be withhold for specific types of garnishments.