Kentucky · Debt collection rights · Updated Oct 2026
Debt collectors in Kentucky: your rights
What debt collectors can and can't do in Kentucky, how long they have to sue, how much of your pay and bank account is protected, collector licensing, where to complain and what to do if you are sued, in plain English from official sources.
Your federal rights
These federal rules apply in Kentucky and every other state. Kentucky's own law, below, can add more.
- Who the federal law covers. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) covers debt collectors who collect for someone else and companies that buy debts, not usually the original creditor collecting its own debt (15 U.S.C. 1692a(6)). Some state laws also cover original creditors.
- A validation notice. A collector must give you a validation notice, in its first message or within 5 days after it, with the amount, the creditor and how to dispute (15 U.S.C. 1692g(a); 12 CFR 1006.34).
- Your right to dispute. If you dispute the debt in writing within the validation period (30 days after you get the notice), the collector must stop collecting until it mails you verification (15 U.S.C. 1692g(b); 12 CFR 1006.38).
- When collectors can contact you. No calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. your time, or at work if your employer doesn't allow it (15 U.S.C. 1692c(a)). More than 7 calls in 7 days about one debt is presumed to break the law (12 CFR 1006.14(b)(2)).
- Telling a collector to stop. If you tell a collector in writing to stop contacting you, it must stop, except to tell you it is ending collection or will take a specific step such as a lawsuit (15 U.S.C. 1692c(c)).
- What collectors can't do. No threats, obscene language, false statements (for example pretending to be a lawyer or the government, or threatening arrest) and no unfair practices such as collecting fees your contract doesn't allow (15 U.S.C. 1692d, 1692e, 1692f). A collector generally can't discuss your debt with your family, neighbors or employer (15 U.S.C. 1692c(b)).
Read how to dispute a debt or stop collector calls.
Kentucky law and extra protections
Kentucky has no general debt collection act; the federal rules above still apply.
- Can you sue under it?
- Kentucky has no separate debt collection act. The Kentucky Consumer Protection Act bans unfair, false, misleading or deceptive acts in trade (KRS 367.170). A person who bought or leased goods or services for personal, family or household use and lost money or property because of such an act can sue for actual damages, punitive damages where appropriate, and the court may award lawyer fees and costs (KRS 367.220(1), (3)). Whether this covers a particular collector depends on the facts. Federal FDCPA rights still apply.
- Official text
- Read the law
Old debts in Kentucky
- Written contracts
- 10 years
- Open accounts and unwritten agreements
- 5 years
- Law
- KRS 413.160 (10 years for a written contract signed after July 15, 2014); KRS 413.090(2) (15 years for a written contract signed before then); KRS 413.120(1), (9) (5 years for a contract not in writing or a merchant's store account)
- Official text
- Read the law
The time limit is the statute of limitations. Once it runs out, the debt is “time-barred”: a collector must not sue or threaten to sue you, but the debt still exists. Read more about time-barred debt.
Is my debt too old? Check Kentucky's time limit
Every state limits how long a creditor or collector has to sue you over a debt. This is the statute of limitations. Choose your state, the type of debt and the date of your last payment to see the limit and an estimated end date. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Wage garnishment and bank accounts in Kentucky
- Wage limit
- federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage a week, whichever is less. (KRS 427.010(2))
- Law
- KRS 427.010(2)
Federal benefits such as Social Security, SSI and VA benefits that were directly deposited are protected in your bank account up to two months' worth (31 CFR 212.6). A creditor usually needs a court judgment before it can garnish your wages or bank account.
Property you can keep in Kentucky
Your home (or burial plot) is protected only up to $5,000, and not against a debt that existed before you bought it (KRS 427.060). One vehicle is protected up to $2,500; household goods, clothing and jewelry up to $3,000; health savings accounts are protected (KRS 427.010(1)).
Collector licensing in Kentucky
- License required
- Not confirmed
If you are sued in Kentucky
- Time to answer
- 20 days after you are served; the 20 days start the day after service. You file the written Answer with the circuit court clerk in the county on the summons. (Kentucky civil summons AOC-105, rev. 8-26)
- If you don't answer
- If you do not file an Answer, a default judgment may be entered against you. You must also send a copy of your Answer to the plaintiff (or its lawyer) and file a certificate of service saying how and when you sent it. (Kentucky civil summons AOC-105)
- Court self-help
- Kentucky court self-help (official)
Don't ignore court papers. Read what to do if a debt collector sues you.
Where to complain in Kentucky
- Kentucky: Kentucky Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection · (502) 696-5300
- Federal: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes complaints about debt collectors at consumerfinance.gov/complaint · (855) 411-2372.
- You can also report a collector to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Free help in Kentucky
Good to know in Kentucky
- Kentucky's time limit to sue on a written contract is long: 10 years for contracts signed after July 15, 2014, and 15 years for older ones. (KRS 413.160; 413.090(2))
- Kentucky's homestead protection is only $5,000. (KRS 427.060)
Free letters to send a collector
Dispute a debt and ask for proof (validation letter)
Within 30 days of the collector's validation notice.
Tell a collector to stop or limit contact
Stop all contact, writing only, or no calls at work.
Questions about debt collection in Kentucky
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Kentucky?
10 years for written contracts and 5 years for open accounts and unwritten agreements (KRS 413.160 (10 years for a written contract signed after July 15, 2014); KRS 413.090(2) (15 years for a written contract signed before then); KRS 413.120(1), (9) (5 years for a contract not in writing or a merchant's store account)).
How much of my paycheck can be garnished in Kentucky?
federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage a week, whichever is less. (KRS 427.010(2))
How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in Kentucky?
20 days after you are served; the 20 days start the day after service. You file the written Answer with the circuit court clerk in the county on the summons. (Kentucky civil summons AOC-105, rev. 8-26)
Where can I complain about a debt collector in Kentucky?
Kentucky Attorney General, Office of Consumer Protection: https://www.ag.ky.gov/Resources/Consumer-Resources/Consumers/Pages/Consumer-Complaints.aspx · (502) 696-5300