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Wage garnishment and exemptions in New Jersey

In New Jersey, a creditor can take no more than 10% of your pay. Below: bank accounts, the property New Jersey lets you keep, and the steps to claim it.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

New Jersey sets a lower limit than federal law: no more than 10% of your pay. Stricter than federal: a wage execution cannot take more than 10% of your wages, unless your income is above 250% of the poverty level for your family size, when the court can order more. Federal limits still cap it. In a bank account: No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Wage limit
Up to 10%
Federal benefits in a bank account
Up to 2 months protected
Law
N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56; 2A:17-19; 15 U.S.C. § 1673

How much can they take from your paycheck in New Jersey?

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 New Jersey

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: New Jersey court self-help (official).

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

in the Debt lawsuits section

How much of your pay can be garnished in New Jersey

Wage limit
Stricter than federal: a wage execution cannot take more than 10% of your wages, unless your income is above 250% of the poverty level for your family size, when the court can order more. Federal limits still cap it.
Law
N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56; 2A:17-19; 15 U.S.C. § 1673

In our 48 state guides, 9 states, New Jersey among them, cap garnishment at 10% or less, below the federal 25% (15 U.S.C. 1673(a)).

In nearby states

More New Jersey rules

  • Most wage garnishments are capped at 10% of wages (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56).
  • P.L.2024, c.48 (Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act): credit reporting parts took effect July 22, 2024; collection limits, 3% interest cap and garnishment ban took effect July 22, 2025.

Money in your bank account in New Jersey

No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Your bank must automatically protect two months of directly deposited Social Security, SSI or VA benefits (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). Read the debt lawsuit guide.

New Jersey exemptions for your home, car and belongings

  • Personal property up to $1,000 plus all clothing is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Other kinds of debt follow other limits

  • Child support: a support order can take 50% or 60% of disposable earnings, depending on whether you support another family, and 55% or 65% for support over 12 weeks overdue (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: up to 15% of disposable pay, and never below the federal 30-times-minimum-wage floor (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).

No garnishment without a judgment in New Jersey

If you do not answer by the deadline on your summons, the court can enter a default judgment against you.

Got court papers? Count your answer deadline →

in the Debt lawsuits section

What to do if you are sued in New Jersey

How to claim an exemption in New Jersey

  1. Read every notice

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

  2. Apply New Jersey's wage rule

    New Jersey's wage rule: Stricter than federal: a wage execution cannot take more than 10% of your wages, unless your income is above 250% of the poverty level for your family size, when the court can order more.

  3. Check your bank deposits

    New Jersey also protects money in an account: No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19). Two months of direct-deposited federal benefits must be left alone (31 CFR 212.6).

  4. Ask the court to protect your money

    Get the exemption claim form from the clerk and file it in time. Start with New Jersey court self-help (official).

Questions about garnishment in New Jersey

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

Stricter than federal: a wage execution cannot take more than 10% of your wages, unless your income is above 250% of the poverty level for your family size, when the court can order more. Federal limits still cap it.

Is money in my bank account protected in New Jersey?

No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Can a creditor take my home or car in New Jersey?

Personal property up to $1,000 plus all clothing is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Can a collector take Social Security from my bank account in New Jersey?

Your bank must automatically protect two months of directly deposited Social Security, SSI or VA benefits (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

More for New Jersey

Sources and last check

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources