DAY 3 — How Much of Your Paycheck Can Be Garnished in Maryland?
Week: Week 1: Urgency — Stop the Bleeding
Intent: High-Intent | Maryland Garnishment Limits
In Maryland, creditors can garnish up to 25% of your disposable income. Learn the exact limits and how to stop garnishment through bankruptcy.
In Maryland, creditors can garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings per pay period, or the amount by which your weekly disposable income exceeds 30 times the federal minimum wage — whichever is less.
Calculating Your Garnishment Exposure
'Disposable earnings' means what's left after required deductions (taxes, Social Security). Voluntary deductions like 401(k) contributions or health insurance don't reduce the garnishable amount.
For most working Marylanders, this means 25% is the operative limit. On a $3,000/month take-home, that's $750/month being deducted — before you pay a single bill.
Are Any Wages Protected?
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Federal benefits (Social Security, VA, SSI) — generally protected from most garnishments
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Child support is separately governed and can exceed the 25% limit
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Federal student loan garnishments can take up to 15% without a court judgment
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IRS tax levies follow different rules entirely
Can Multiple Creditors Garnish at Once?
Generally no. Maryland processes one garnishment at a time. But multiple judgments can be stacked — meaning a second creditor gets in line as soon as the first is satisfied.
How Bankruptcy Changes the Calculation
When you file bankruptcy, the answer becomes zero. The automatic stay stops all garnishment immediately — regardless of amount, creditor, or how long it's been running.
Maryland-Specific Insight
Maryland has no state-level wage exemption beyond federal law. Some states protect more income. Maryland does not. This makes filing bankruptcy particularly effective here — there's no 'middle ground' protection that makes garnishment tolerable.
Reality Check
Once a judgment is entered, Maryland law is very creditor-friendly. The garnishment is automatic and your employer is legally required to comply. Your fastest solution is a bankruptcy filing.
