Wage garnishment and exemptions in Idaho

Idaho uses the federal 25% limit on wage garnishment. Below: bank accounts, the property Idaho lets you keep, and the steps to claim it.

Short answer

Idaho follows the federal limit on wage garnishment. Federal limit applies: up to 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less. We could not confirm a general dollar amount protected in a bank account in Idaho; directly deposited federal benefits are still protected (31 CFR 212.6).

Wage limit
25% (federal limit)
Federal benefits in a bank account
Up to 2 months protected
Law
Idaho Code § 11-207

How much of your pay can be garnished in Idaho

Wage limit
Federal limit applies: up to 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less.
Law
Idaho Code § 11-207

Like 17 of the 48 states we cover, Idaho relies on the federal cap (15 U.S.C. 1673(a)).

In nearby states

What creditors can't take in Idaho

  • Home: up to $175,000 (Idaho Code § 55-1003).
  • One vehicle: up to $10,000 (§ 11-605(3)).
  • Household goods: up to $7,500 total, $1,000 per item (§ 11-605(1)).
  • Any other tangible property: up to $1,500 (§ 11-605(10)).

What Idaho protects in a bank account

Your bank must automatically protect two months of directly deposited Social Security, SSI or VA benefits (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). More in our guide to debt lawsuits.

No garnishment without a judgment in Idaho

If you do not file a written answer in time, the court can enter a judgment against you without further notice. In small claims, a hearing is set only if you file the answer form (Idaho Code § 1-2303).

The time to answer in Idaho: 21 days after you are served, in District Court and the magistrate division (I.R.C.P. 12(a)(1)(A)).

What to do if you are sued in Idaho

How to claim an exemption in Idaho

  1. Watch for deadlines

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

  2. Know Idaho's limit

    Idaho's wage rule: Federal limit applies: up to 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less.

  3. Protect your bank money

    Federal benefits paid by direct deposit are protected too (31 CFR 212.6).

  4. Ask the court to protect your money

    Ask the court clerk for the exemption claim form and file it by the deadline. Start with Idaho court self-help (official).

Questions about garnishment in Idaho

What is the wage garnishment limit in Idaho?

Federal limit applies: up to 25% of your disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 a week), whichever is less.

Can a creditor take my home or car in Idaho?

Home: up to $175,000 (Idaho Code § 55-1003). One vehicle: up to $10,000 (§ 11-605(3)). Household goods: up to $7,500 total, $1,000 per item (§ 11-605(1)). Any other tangible property: up to $1,500 (§ 11-605(10)).

Keep reading about Idaho

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources