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Wage garnishment and exemptions in Kentucky

Kentucky uses the federal 25% limit on wage garnishment. Below: bank accounts, the property Kentucky lets you keep, and the steps to claim it.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

Kentucky follows the federal limit on wage garnishment. Federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage a week, whichever is less. (KRS 427.010(2)) We could not confirm a general dollar amount protected in a bank account in Kentucky; directly deposited federal benefits are still protected (31 CFR 212.6).

Wage limit
25% (federal limit)
Federal benefits in a bank account
Up to 2 months protected
Law
KRS 427.010(2)

How much can they take from your paycheck in Kentucky?

For an ordinary debt such as a credit card or medical bill, after a court judgment.

Pay after taxes and other deductions the law requires, before voluntary ones such as a 401(k).

Enter your take-home payThe most a creditor can take appears here.

An estimate, not legal advice.

Deadline and form to protect your money in Kentucky

The papers from the court, your employer or your bank list the deadline to claim an exemption. Ask the court how to file the claim: Kentucky court self-help (official).

Pay or bank account being taken? Claim an exemption →Get the exemption claim letter →

in the Debt lawsuits section

Kentucky's limit on wage garnishment

Wage limit
Federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage a week, whichever is less. (KRS 427.010(2))
Law
KRS 427.010(2)

Kentucky is one of 17 states in our 48 state guides that use the federal limit (15 U.S.C. 1673(a)).

In nearby states

Kentucky exemptions for your home, car and belongings

  • Your home (or burial plot) is protected only up to $5,000, and not against a debt that existed before you bought it (KRS 427.060).
  • One vehicle is protected up to $2,500; household goods, clothing and jewelry up to $3,000; health savings accounts are protected (KRS 427.010(1)).

More Kentucky rules

  • Kentucky's homestead protection is only $5,000. (KRS 427.060)

Bank accounts and garnishment in Kentucky

Directly deposited Social Security, SSI, VA and certain other federal benefits are protected up to two months' worth, without filing anything (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). More in our guide to debt lawsuits.

Child support, student loans and taxes: different limits

  • Child support: the cap is 50% of disposable earnings (60% if you support no other spouse or child), plus 5% when payments are over 12 weeks behind (15 U.S.C. 1673(b)).
  • Federal student loans: no lawsuit is needed: up to 15% of disposable pay, after at least 30 days' written notice (20 U.S.C. 1095a).
  • Other debts owed to a federal agency: 15% of disposable pay at most, with the same 30-times-minimum-wage floor as other garnishments (31 CFR 285.11).
  • Federal taxes: the IRS uses its own exempt amount, set by your standard deduction and dependents; give your employer the Statement of Dependents and Filing Status within 3 days (26 U.S.C. 6334(a)(9), (d); IRS wage levy rules).

Before a garnishment: the court case in Kentucky

If you do not file an Answer, a default judgment may be entered against you. You must also send a copy of your Answer to the plaintiff (or its lawyer) and file a certificate of service saying how and when you sent it. (Kentucky civil summons AOC-105)

Answer the lawsuit by the deadline. In Kentucky: 20 days after you are served; the 20 days start the day after service.

Got court papers? Count your answer deadline →

in the Debt lawsuits section

What to do if you are sued in Kentucky

Protecting your pay and property in Kentucky

  1. Read every notice

    Look for the date to claim exemptions on every court, employer or bank notice.

  2. Work out what Kentucky protects

    Kentucky's wage rule: Federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage a week, whichever is less.

  3. Look at your bank account

    Two months of direct-deposited federal benefits must be left alone (31 CFR 212.6).

  4. Claim your exemptions in court

    File the court's exemption claim form before the deadline; the clerk has it. Start with Kentucky court self-help (official).

Questions about garnishment in Kentucky

Can a creditor take my wages in Kentucky, and how much?

Federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage a week, whichever is less. (KRS 427.010(2))

What property is protected from creditors in Kentucky?

Your home (or burial plot) is protected only up to $5,000, and not against a debt that existed before you bought it (KRS 427.060). One vehicle is protected up to $2,500; household goods, clothing and jewelry up to $3,000; health savings accounts are protected (KRS 427.010(1)).

More for Kentucky

Sources and last check

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources