Not sure where you stand? Use these pre-calculated tables to quickly see how much of your paycheck is protected and what the maximum garnishment would be for your income level. All numbers are based on California's 2026 statewide minimum wage ($16.90/hour) and the current formula under CCP §706.050 (as amended by SB 1477, operative September 1, 2023): the lesser of 20% of disposable earnings or 40% of the amount exceeding 48× minimum wage.
Under CCP §706.050 (post-SB 1477), the 48× threshold applies to all workers. The statute specifies protected hours per pay period: weekly = 40 hrs × 48× factor; bi-weekly = 96 hrs; semi-monthly = 104 hrs; monthly = 208 hrs.
| Pay Period | Statutory Hours | Calculation | Protected Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 48 hrs | 48 × $16.90 | $811.20 |
| Bi-Weekly | 96 hrs | 96 × $16.90 | $1,622.40 |
| Semi-Monthly | 104 hrs | 104 × $16.90 | $1,757.60 |
| Monthly | 208 hrs | 208 × $16.90 | $3,515.20 |
Formula: Max Garnishment = lesser of (A) 20% of disposable earnings, or (B) 40% of (disposable earnings − $811.20). If disposable ≤ $811.20, garnishment = $0.
| Weekly Gross | Mandatory Deductions | Disposable Earnings | 20% of Disposable (A) | Protected Amount (48×) | Excess Over Protected | 40% of Excess (B) | Max Garnishment (lesser A or B) | Remaining Disposable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $800 | $120 | $680.00 | $136.00 | $811.20 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 ✅ Exempt | $680.00 |
| $1,000 | $150 | $850.00 | $170.00 | $811.20 | $38.80 | $15.52 | $15.52 | $834.48 |
| $1,200 | $180 | $1,020.00 | $204.00 | $811.20 | $208.80 | $83.52 | $83.52 | $936.48 |
| $1,500 | $225 | $1,275.00 | $255.00 | $811.20 | $463.80 | $185.52 | $185.52 | $1,089.48 |
| $2,000 | $300 | $1,700.00 | $340.00 | $811.20 | $888.80 | $355.52 | $340.00 | $1,360.00 |
Formula: Max Garnishment = lesser of (A) 20% of disposable earnings, or (B) 40% of (disposable earnings − $1,622.40). If disposable ≤ $1,622.40, garnishment = $0.
| Bi-Weekly Gross | Mandatory Deductions | Disposable Earnings | 20% of Disposable (A) | Protected Amount (48×) | Excess Over Protected | 40% of Excess (B) | Max Garnishment (lesser A or B) | Remaining Disposable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,600 | $240 | $1,360.00 | $272.00 | $1,622.40 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 ✅ Exempt | $1,360.00 |
| $2,000 | $300 | $1,700.00 | $340.00 | $1,622.40 | $77.60 | $31.04 | $31.04 | $1,668.96 |
| $2,400 | $360 | $2,040.00 | $408.00 | $1,622.40 | $417.60 | $167.04 | $167.04 | $1,872.96 |
| $3,000 | $450 | $2,550.00 | $510.00 | $1,622.40 | $927.60 | $371.04 | $371.04 | $2,178.96 |
| $4,000 | $600 | $3,400.00 | $680.00 | $1,622.40 | $1,777.60 | $711.04 | $680.00 | $2,720.00 |
Disposable earnings are not the same as your take-home pay. Many people confuse the two, but California law draws a clear line. This distinction determines whether your wages can be garnished and by how much.
Your disposable earnings equal your gross pay minus mandatory deductions required by law. That's it. Voluntary deductions — things you choose to pay — stay in your pocket when calculating disposable earnings.
Mandatory deductions (subtracted from gross pay):
Voluntary deductions (NOT subtracted from gross pay):
Why does this matter? Because creditors and the court look only at mandatory deductions when calculating how much they can take. Your 401(k) contribution doesn't reduce your disposable earnings. It doesn't protect you from garnishment.
Your gross pay includes:
California's current garnishment formula (CCP §706.050, operative September 1, 2023) uses a "lesser of" rule with two amounts. The court can take only the smaller of the two — and only if your disposable earnings exceed the protected threshold. You keep the rest.
The formula has three steps:
Step 1: Calculate your disposable earnings. Start with your gross pay for the pay period. Subtract all mandatory deductions. The result is your disposable earnings.
Step 2 — Amount A: Calculate 20% of your disposable earnings. Multiply your disposable earnings by 0.20. This gives you Amount A.
Step 3 — Amount B: Calculate 40% of the excess over the protected threshold. The protected threshold is 48 times the applicable minimum wage, adjusted for your pay period. For 2026 using the statewide rate of $16.90/hr, the weekly protected amount is $811.20 (48 × $16.90). Subtract the protected threshold from your disposable earnings to get the excess, then multiply by 0.40. This gives you Amount B.
The maximum garnishment is the lesser of Amount A and Amount B. If your disposable earnings are at or below the protected threshold, the garnishment is $0 — you are fully exempt.
Example (weekly, consumer debt, statewide minimum wage):
If your disposable earnings were $800 (below $811.20), your maximum garnishment would be $0. You'd keep every dollar. The formula protects lower-income workers from having their basic needs stripped away.
This protection applies to consumer debt. Child support, student loans, and tax debt follow different rules — we cover those below.
Important note on local minimum wages: Under the current statute, if you work in a city or county with a higher local minimum wage than the statewide rate, the local rate must be used. This raises your protected threshold. For example, if your local rate is $18.42/hr (City of Los Angeles, July 2026), your weekly protected threshold is $884.16 (48 × $18.42) — higher than the statewide $811.20.
Most examples use weekly pay because the math is straightforward. But if you're paid bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly, the numbers change. You can't just use weekly numbers for a different pay period.
The protected amount scales with your pay period. Under CCP §706.050, the statute specifies the protected hours for each pay period directly: weekly = 48 hours, bi-weekly = 96 hours, semi-monthly = 104 hours, monthly = 208 hours. Multiply the applicable hourly minimum wage by the corresponding hours to get the protected amount.
Protected earnings thresholds (48× minimum wage — 2026, statewide $16.90/hr):
| Pay Period | Statutory Hours | Calculation | Protected Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 48 hrs | 48 × $16.90 | $811.20 |
| Bi-Weekly | 96 hrs | 96 × $16.90 | $1,622.40 |
| Semi-Monthly | 104 hrs | 104 × $16.90 | $1,757.60 |
| Monthly | 208 hrs | 208 × $16.90 | $3,515.20 |
If you're paid bi-weekly, your protected amount is $1,622.40. If you're paid monthly, it's $3,515.20. The same formula applies whether you're checking if you're exempt or calculating the maximum garnishment.
Why does this matter? If you're paid bi-weekly and make $1,600 gross with $240 in mandatory deductions, your disposable earnings are $1,360. Your protected amount is $1,622.40. Since your disposable earnings are below the protected amount, you can't be garnished at all — you're fully exempt.
If you're paid monthly and make $3,500 gross with $525 in mandatory deductions, your disposable earnings are $2,975. Your protected amount is $3,515.20. Again, you're fully exempt because your disposable earnings are below the protected threshold.
The formula is designed to guarantee you keep the equivalent of 48 hours of minimum wage work per week — $811.20 per week statewide in 2026 — regardless of how often you're paid.
If your pay period changes, use the table above to find your protected amount. Your employer should use the correct threshold for your specific pay schedule. If they don't, you may have grounds to challenge the garnishment.
Not all debts are treated equally under California garnishment law. The maximum percentage of your wages that can be taken depends on what you owe.
Consumer debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, judgments):
Maximum garnishment: Lesser of 20% of disposable earnings OR 40% of (disposable earnings minus 48× minimum
wage protected threshold).
Legal basis: California Code of Civil Procedure §706.050 (as amended by SB 1477, operative September 1,
2023).
Example: $850 disposable weekly, $811.20 protected, excess = $38.80, 40% of excess = $15.52; 20% of $850 =
$170. Maximum = $15.52 (the lesser).
Child support:
Maximum garnishment: 50% to 65% of disposable earnings, depending on whether you're supporting another
family.
Legal basis: Family Code §4050.
Example: $850 disposable weekly = $425.00 to $552.50 maximum garnishment (much higher than consumer debt).
Federal student loans:
Maximum garnishment: 15% of disposable earnings.
Legal basis: 20 U.S.C. §1095a.
Example: $850 disposable weekly = $127.50 maximum garnishment.
IRS tax debt:
Maximum garnishment: Varies based on filing status, number of dependents, and standard deduction. Generally
up to 25% of disposable after protected amount.
Legal basis: Internal Revenue Code §6331.
State tax debt (FTB):
Maximum garnishment: Up to 25% of disposable earnings.
Legal basis: California Revenue and Taxation Code §18817.
| Debt Type | Maximum Garnishment | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Debt | Lesser of 20% of Disposable OR 40% of (Disposable − 48× Min. Wage) | CCP §706.050 (post-SB 1477) |
| Child Support | 50%–65% of Disposable | Family Code §4050 |
| Federal Student Loans | 15% of Disposable | 20 U.S.C. §1095a |
| IRS Tax Debt | Varies (generally up to 25%) | IRC §6331 |
| California State Tax | Up to 25% of Disposable | RTC §18817 |
Child support and consumer debt follow very different rules. If you owe child support, the court can take a much larger portion of your paycheck. The formula for child support is based on your net disposable income — gross pay minus mandatory deductions — and uses a percentage guideline that increases with higher income.
If you have multiple types of debt, the garnishment with the highest priority takes first claim. Child support typically takes priority over consumer debt. Student loans and tax debt can also take priority depending on the specific order.
If you're facing garnishment, check what type of debt it is. The maximum amount they can take varies significantly, and your rights and options depend on the debt classification.
California Senate Bill 1477, operative September 1, 2023, fundamentally changed how wage garnishment is calculated in California — for all workers, not just a subset.
Before SB 1477, the formula was:
After SB 1477 (current law):
This is a significant change that protects all workers. The protected threshold increased from 40× to 48× minimum wage, and the garnishable portion of any excess was cut from 100% to 40% of that excess. Both changes work together to reduce the amount creditors can take.
What this means in practice (weekly, statewide rate):
For workers with disposable earnings just above the threshold, the double reduction — a higher threshold AND only 40% of the smaller excess — dramatically reduces the garnishment amount. In many cases, workers who would have faced garnishment under the old formula are now fully exempt.
Additionally, SB 1477 codified the requirement to use the local minimum wage when it exceeds the statewide rate. If you work in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or another city with a higher local minimum wage, the protected threshold is calculated using that higher local rate — giving you even more protection.
Can multiple creditors garnish your wages at the same time? Yes. But there's a cap. You can't lose more than the legal maximum, regardless of how many garnishment orders you face.
When multiple garnishments exist, the law uses a priority system. Some debts take priority over others. The total amount taken for consumer debts cannot exceed what would be taken for a single consumer debt garnishment under the current formula.
Priority order (highest to lowest):
Here's how it works in practice:
Example: You have $850 in weekly disposable earnings. The statewide protected amount is $811.20.
The key takeaway: Multiple garnishments are allowed, but there are limits. The law prioritizes child support and taxes over consumer debt. If you're facing multiple garnishments, check the priority order and verify that the total withheld for consumer debts doesn't exceed what's legally allowed.
If you think your employer is withholding too much due to multiple garnishments, you can file a Claim of Exemption (Form WG-006) or contact the court that issued the order. You have 10 days from receiving a garnishment notice to file a challenge.
Every major calculator on the market makes the same error. They confuse "take-home pay" with "disposable earnings." This isn't a minor mistake — it can change your garnishment calculation significantly and lead you to believe you're protected when you're not.
Take-home pay is what lands in your bank account after all deductions — both mandatory and voluntary. Your 401(k) contribution comes out. Your health insurance premium comes out. Your union dues come out. What's left is what you actually spend.
Disposable earnings are different. They're what's left after mandatory deductions only. Your 401(k) doesn't reduce your disposable earnings. Your health insurance doesn't reduce it. Those are voluntary choices you make. The law doesn't let you shield money from creditors by putting it into a 401(k).
Why does this matter? Here's a concrete example.
You earn $1,200 per week gross. Your mandatory deductions are:
Your voluntary deductions are:
A typical paycheck calculator would use your take-home pay ($750) as the basis. Since $750 is below the weekly protected threshold of $811.20, it appears you're fully exempt from garnishment.
But the law uses disposable earnings ($950). Your disposable earnings of $950 exceed $811.20. Creditors can reach that excess. Let's calculate:
A calculator that uses take-home pay would tell you $0 can be taken. But the correct disposable earnings basis shows $55.52 can actually be garnished. That's money you thought was protected, but isn't — and that error repeats every pay period.
What deductions count as mandatory?
What deductions DO NOT count?
Using the correct disposable earnings number — not take-home pay — is the single most important distinction in California garnishment law. Our calculator uses the legally correct basis so you get an accurate picture of your true exposure.
Most California disposable earnings calculators are either broken, outdated, or legally incorrect. Here's how we differ from every competitor.
1. Correct current formula. We use the current post-SB 1477 formula: 20% of disposable earnings OR 40% of the excess over 48× minimum wage, whichever is less. Most competitors still use the repealed pre-2023 formula of 25% / 40×.
2. Correct legal distinction. We use disposable earnings (gross minus mandatory deductions only), not take-home pay. Most competitors conflate the two, which can make garnishable earnings appear exempt.
3. 2026 minimum wage ($16.90/hour statewide). We update annually. Many competitors still use $16.50 from 2025 or older rates. The protected amount changes every year with minimum wage increases.
4. Local minimum wage awareness. We flag that local minimum wages (such as those in Los Angeles and San Francisco) are legally required to be used when they exceed the statewide rate. This raises your protected threshold and is often missed entirely.
5. Correct pay period thresholds. Weekly = 48 hrs, bi-weekly = 96 hrs, semi-monthly = 104 hrs, monthly = 208 hrs — as specified directly in the statute. Most competitors use inexact annual-conversion formulas that produce wrong numbers for semi-monthly and monthly pay periods.
6. Multiple debt type coverage. Consumer debt, child support, student loans, tax debt — each follows different rules. We show you the differences side by side, with exact legal citations.
7. Exemption checker. If your disposable earnings are at or below the protected threshold, we tell you clearly: you're fully exempt. No garnishment can be taken. This is the single most important question users have, and we answer it instantly.
8. Real-world examples across income levels. We show you what happens at multiple income points for both weekly and bi-weekly pay, so you can see where you fall and what to expect.
9. Attorney-reviewed methodology. Every formula, every threshold, every legal citation has been verified against California Code of Civil Procedure §706.050 (post-SB 1477, operative September 1, 2023) and current 2026 rates. We cite our sources.
10. Pre-calculated tables for all pay periods. No need to do the math yourself. We've already calculated protected amounts and garnishment examples for every pay period and income level using the correct current formula.
No other calculator combines all of these features. If you're facing wage garnishment in California, use this calculator to get the correct number. Then take that number to a legal aid office or attorney. Knowing your exact disposable earnings and protected amount is the first step to protecting your paycheck.
If you believe a garnishment is wrong, you have the right to challenge it. California law gives you specific deadlines and procedures to protect your wages.
Step 1: Check the math. Start by verifying your employer's calculation. Did they use gross pay minus mandatory deductions only? Did they apply the correct protected amount (48× minimum wage for your pay period)? Did they use the correct local or statewide minimum wage? Did they apply the correct formula (20% / 40% of excess)? Use our calculator to check their numbers. Many garnishment errors come from employers using the old pre-SB 1477 formula.
Step 2: Review your disposable earnings. Make sure your employer isn't subtracting voluntary deductions. Your 401(k) contribution and health insurance premiums should not be subtracted. If they are, the disposable earnings figure is understated and you may be paying less than the legal maximum — but the principle cuts both ways: make sure you aren't paying based on a wrongly low disposable earnings figure either.
Step 3: Determine if you're exempt. If your disposable earnings are at or below the protected amount for your pay period ($811.20/week statewide in 2026, or higher if your local minimum wage applies), you are fully exempt. No garnishment can be taken. Your employer should stop withholding immediately.
Step 4: File a Claim of Exemption (Form WG-006). You have 10 days from the date you receive the garnishment notice to file. This form tells the court why you believe the garnishment is wrong or excessive. You must also complete Form WG-008 (Financial Statement) showing your income, expenses, assets, and dependents.
Step 5: File the forms with the court. Take both forms to the courthouse that issued the garnishment order. File them with the clerk. You'll need to serve a copy on the creditor or their attorney.
Step 6: Attend the hearing. The court will schedule a hearing within 10–15 days of your filing. You'll have a chance to explain your situation and why you believe the garnishment is wrong. Bring evidence: pay stubs, expense records, tax returns, and any documentation that supports your claim.
Step 7: Get legal help. If you're not sure what to do, contact a legal aid organization or a California employment attorney. Many offer free or low-cost consultations. Don't wait — the 10-day deadline is strict.
Important deadlines:
Grounds for challenging a garnishment:
Don't assume you have to accept a garnishment. Many people successfully challenge them and reduce or eliminate the amount withheld. The first step is knowing your correct numbers — use our calculator.
Your employer plays a central role in wage garnishment. They receive the garnishment order, calculate the withholding, and send the money to the creditor. If they make mistakes, you could lose more than required — or less.
Employers must:
Employers CANNOT:
What happens if your employer makes a mistake?
Priority order when multiple garnishments exist (highest to lowest):
The total consumer debt withheld cannot exceed the current consumer debt limit (lesser of 20% of disposable earnings OR 40% of the amount exceeding protected earnings).
What if you change jobs?
Your garnishment order follows you. Your new employer will receive a notice and must begin withholding after
you start working. You must notify the court and creditor of your new employer's address.
What if you're self-employed?
Wage garnishment generally applies to wages and salary from employment. If you're an independent contractor
or self-employed, creditors may use a bank levy or other collection method instead. This calculator applies
to W-2 employees.
Employer compliance deadlines:
Our calculator follows the exact legal formula prescribed by current California law (CCP §706.050, as amended by SB 1477, operative September 1, 2023). Every number is verified against official 2026 rates. Here's exactly how we calculate your disposable earnings and maximum garnishment.
Step 1: Calculate Disposable Earnings
Disposable Earnings = Gross Pay − (Federal Tax + State Tax + SDI + Other Mandatory Deductions)
Mandatory deductions include: federal income tax, California state income tax, FICA (Social Security) at 6.2% up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, Medicare at 1.45% with no wage base limit, and SDI (State Disability Insurance) at 1.3% with no wage base cap (effective 2024 and continuing in 2026). Voluntary deductions are NOT subtracted.
Step 2: Determine Protected Amount
Protected Amount = Applicable Hourly Minimum Wage × Statutory Hours for Pay Period
Per CCP §706.050(b), the statutory hours are: weekly = 48 hrs, bi-weekly = 96 hrs, semi-monthly = 104 hrs, monthly = 208 hrs. The applicable minimum wage is the higher of the statewide rate or the local rate where the debtor works.
Protected thresholds for 2026 (statewide $16.90/hr):
Note: This calculator uses the statewide rate of $16.90/hr. Workers in cities with higher local minimum wages (e.g., Los Angeles at $18.42/hr, San Francisco at $19.61/hr as of July 2026) have higher protected thresholds. Adjust manually if your local rate is higher.
Step 3: Apply the Current "Lesser of" Rule (post-SB 1477)
Step 4: Calculate Remaining Disposable After Garnishment
Remaining = Disposable Earnings − Maximum Garnishment
Sources:
Our calculator is updated annually when minimum wage, tax rates, and wage base limits change. The current version reflects 2026 rates and the post-SB 1477 formula operative September 1, 2023.
Limitations:
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes using the statewide minimum wage. It is not
a substitute for legal advice. If you work in a locality with a higher local minimum wage, your actual
protected amount is higher than shown — adjust the calculation accordingly. Individual cases may vary
based on specific court orders, exemptions, local minimum wages, and personal circumstances. Always
consult a qualified California attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.
Need the full EWO calculation with city-specific minimum wages? Use the California Earnings Withholding Order Calculator 2026 — it applies 2026 local minimum wages (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, etc.) and handles percentage orders, flat-dollar orders, and multiple garnishment priority stacking.