Things You'll Need:
- calculator
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Step 1
Figure out your disposable income. This is what's left of your income (including grants from the government or transfers from friends or family) after deducting taxes.
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Step 2
Understand the norms of garnishment. Generally, the DoE will require employers to garnish 10% of your wages, but they have the ability to garnish up to 15% of your wages.
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Step 3
Know the limits of garnishment. The agency will not deduct the full 15% if your disposable income falls under 30 times the federal minimum wage. So no matter what happens you'll have at least $154.40 (30 times $5.15) of your wages left over after garnishing.
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Step 4
Pay attention to deductions on your pay stub. The agency will garnish what is left after Medicare, taxes, social security and pension contributions are deducted.
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Step 5
Consider other garnishments. Wage garnishment for child support takes priority over student loans.
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Step 6
Understand the max percentage that can be lawfully garnished. The total maximum amount your wages can be garnished is 25% of disposable income. That includes other reasons why your wages might be garnished.
