Stop Garnishments and Offsets

Wage Garnishments Basics

• Up to 15 percent of your disposable income can be garnished. At no time can you be left with less than 30 times the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25. This means that per week you can keep a minimum of $217.50.
• The government does not need to take you to court to garnish your wages, they can do so administratively.
• You should get a notice  30 days before the garnishment begins.

Tip: Read the notice carefully. It will have information about the amount being garnished, how to request a hearing, and possible defenses you may raise to stop the garnishment.

How can I stop wage garnishments? 

• Negotiate repayment. You can technically stop it by negotiating repayment and making a first payment within 30 days of the notice. Negotiate a repayment plan that is reasonable and that you can afford.
• Request a hearing. Request a hearing within 30 days from the date on your notice. You can request it after 30 days, but it may not prevent your wages from being garnished.

How do I prepare for a wage garnishment hearing? 

Determine your defense(s) and gather proof.

• You have the burden to show your wages should not be garnished. The most common defense is economic hardship. You will have to complete a form and provide detailed proof of your finances and expenses.  The hearing officer will review and compare them to the national cost of living standards. You must make a strong case for expenses that are not for basic necessities.
• There are other defenses you can explore, like schools closure and being eligible for discharge due to permanent disability. The burden is still on you to show that you qualify for these defenses, usually by submitting proof that you have applied for relief or discharge.

Offsets Basics

• The Department of Education and the IRS work together to offset any federal benefits or tax refunds you are entitled to in order to pay off your defaulted federal student loans. Social Security Income (SSI) is exempted.
• The Bureau of the Fiscal Service at the Department of Treasury manages student debt offsets.

How do I prevent my Social Security retirement from being offset? 

The federal government can withhold up to 15 percent of your Social Security retirement, but at no time can they leave you with less than $750 a month ($9,000 a year).

• Request a review. You can request a review within 20 days of your offset notice and 15 days from receiving documents, if you request documents to review.
• Request a hardship reduction or suspension. Instructions should be on your notice. You will need to provide a copy of your offset letter, proof that the offset would result in economic hardship, and other required documents.  Here’s a  sample of what is needed to request a reduction or suspension.

How do I prevent my tax refund from being offset? 

The federal government can seize all or a portion of your refund.

• Request a hearing. You have 65 days from the date of your notice. You also have the right to request a copy of your loan file within 20 days of the notice. If you request your file, you will then have 15 days after your request or when you get your file to ask for a hearing. You can ask for a hearing after these deadlines, but it does not guarantee you will get a hearing or prevent the offset.
• Prepare for the hearing. You have the burden of proof. You must know what defense(s) you are raising and have documentation to support them.  Possible defenses include being eligible for disability discharge, having an open bankruptcy case, and others.