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Wage garnishment and exemptions in Michigan

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

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

Michigan follows the federal limit on wage garnishment. The court's garnishee disclosure form uses the federal tests: the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (SCAO form MC 14, citing 15 U.S.C. §§ 1672-1673). We could not confirm a general dollar amount protected in a bank account in Michigan; 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
15 U.S.C. § 1673; SCAO form MC 14 (Garnishee Disclosure, Periodic); MCL 600.4031

How much can they take from your paycheck in Michigan?

Credit cards, medical bills and other ordinary debts, once a creditor has a 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 Michigan

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: Michigan court self-help (official).

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

in the Debt lawsuits section

Michigan's limit on wage garnishment

Wage limit
Federal limit applies. The court's garnishee disclosure form uses the federal tests: the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (SCAO form MC 14, citing 15 U.S.C. §§ 1672-1673).
Law
15 U.S.C. § 1673; SCAO form MC 14 (Garnishee Disclosure, Periodic); MCL 600.4031

Like 17 of the 48 states we cover, Michigan relies on the federal cap (15 U.S.C. 1673(a)).

In nearby states

Michigan exemptions for your home, car and belongings

  • Homestead: up to $3,500 in value for a home you own and live in (40 acres outside a town, or 1 lot in a town) (MCL 600.6023(1)(g)).
  • Household goods, furniture and appliances: up to $1,000 (MCL 600.6023(1)(b)).
  • Tools and vehicles needed for your job: up to $1,000 (MCL 600.6023(1)(e)).
  • IRAs are generally exempt (MCL 600.6023(1)(j)).

Money in your bank account in Michigan

Your bank must automatically protect two months of directly deposited Social Security, SSI or VA benefits (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). How garnishment follows a lawsuit.

Other kinds of debt follow other 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: the government can take up to 15% of disposable pay without suing you, but must mail you notice at least 30 days first (20 U.S.C. 1095a).
  • Other debts owed to a federal agency: an agency can garnish up to 15% of disposable pay, and you keep at least 30 times the federal minimum wage a week (31 CFR 285.11).
  • Federal taxes: an IRS wage levy is not capped at 25%: you keep an amount based on your filing status and dependents, so return your employer's Statement of Dependents and Filing Status within 3 days (26 U.S.C. 6334(a)(9), (d); IRS wage levy rules).

The lawsuit comes first in Michigan

If you don't answer or take other action in time, the court may enter a judgment against you for what the plaintiff asked for (summons form MC 01).

Answer the lawsuit by the deadline. In Michigan: 21 days after you receive the summons and complaint, if served in person in Michigan.

Got court papers? Count your answer deadline →

in the Debt lawsuits section

What to do if you are sued in Michigan

How to claim an exemption in Michigan

  1. Read every notice

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

  2. Apply Michigan's wage rule

    Michigan's wage rule: The court's garnishee disclosure form uses the federal tests: the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (SCAO form MC 14, citing 15 U.S.C. §§ 1672-1673).

  3. Protect your bank money

    Federal benefits paid by direct deposit are protected too (31 CFR 212.6).

  4. Claim your exemptions in court

    Ask the court clerk for the exemption claim form and file it by the deadline. Start with Michigan court self-help (official).

Questions about garnishment in Michigan

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

Federal limit applies. The court's garnishee disclosure form uses the federal tests: the lesser of 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (SCAO form MC 14, citing 15 U.S.C. §§ 1672-1673).

Can a creditor take my home or car in Michigan?

Homestead: up to $3,500 in value for a home you own and live in (40 acres outside a town, or 1 lot in a town) (MCL 600.6023(1)(g)). Household goods, furniture and appliances: up to $1,000 (MCL 600.6023(1)(b)). Tools and vehicles needed for your job: up to $1,000 (MCL 600.6023(1)(e)). IRAs are generally exempt (MCL 600.6023(1)(j)).

Related Michigan pages

Wage garnishment in nearby states

Sources and last check

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources