Can Wages Be Garnished When Receiving Food Stamps?

Threats of wage garnishment can be very upsetting if you live on a limited income and rely on food stamps to help reduce your grocery bill. Laws in your state may offer you some protection against garnishment, but this protection isn't always automatic. You'll have to take action to protect your wages.

If you are eligible for food stamps, you may have some protection against wage garnishment. In some states, such as Wisconsin, food stamp recipients are exempt from wage garnishment. Other states may not automatically exempt food stamp recipients from garnishment, but will allow you to request an exemption on the basis of economic hardship.

When you receive notification of a wage garnishment, the court or agency enforcing the garnishment typically includes information on requesting an exemption. If you can't find this information in the notice, contact the issuing court or agency and ask for details on the exemption process. This usually involves completing a form and providing documentation of your financial status. You may also have to participate in a court hearing.

If you have difficulty understanding the exemption laws in your state, or can't figure out how to file for an exemption, contact your local legal aid office for help.