Wage garnishment and exemptions in New Jersey

In New Jersey, a creditor can take no more than 10% of your pay. Below: bank accounts, the property New Jersey lets you keep, and the steps to claim it.

Short answer

New Jersey sets a lower limit than federal law: no more than 10% of your pay. Stricter than federal: a wage execution cannot take more than 10% of your wages, unless your income is above 250% of the poverty level for your family size, when the court can order more. Federal limits still cap it. In a bank account: No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Wage limit
Up to 10%
Federal benefits in a bank account
Up to 2 months protected
Law
N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56; 2A:17-19; 15 U.S.C. § 1673

How much of your pay can be garnished in New Jersey

Wage limit
Stricter than federal: a wage execution cannot take more than 10% of your wages, unless your income is above 250% of the poverty level for your family size, when the court can order more. Federal limits still cap it.
Law
N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56; 2A:17-19; 15 U.S.C. § 1673

In our 48 state guides, 9 states, New Jersey among them, cap garnishment at 10% or less, below the federal 25% (15 U.S.C. 1673(a)).

In nearby states

More New Jersey rules

  • Most wage garnishments are capped at 10% of wages (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56).
  • P.L.2024, c.48 (Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act): credit reporting parts took effect July 22, 2024; collection limits, 3% interest cap and garnishment ban took effect July 22, 2025.

Money in your bank account in New Jersey

No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Your bank must automatically protect two months of directly deposited Social Security, SSI or VA benefits (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). Read the debt lawsuit guide.

New Jersey exemptions for your home, car and belongings

  • Personal property up to $1,000 plus all clothing is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

No garnishment without a judgment in New Jersey

If you do not answer by the deadline on your summons, the court can enter a default judgment against you.

What to do if you are sued in New Jersey

How to claim an exemption in New Jersey

  1. Read every notice

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

  2. Apply New Jersey's wage rule

    New Jersey's wage rule: Stricter than federal: a wage execution cannot take more than 10% of your wages, unless your income is above 250% of the poverty level for your family size, when the court can order more.

  3. Check your bank deposits

    New Jersey also protects money in an account: No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19). Two months of direct-deposited federal benefits must be left alone (31 CFR 212.6).

  4. Ask the court to protect your money

    Get the exemption claim form from the clerk and file it in time. Start with New Jersey court self-help (official).

Questions about garnishment in New Jersey

Can a creditor take my wages in New Jersey, and how much?

Stricter than federal: a wage execution cannot take more than 10% of your wages, unless your income is above 250% of the poverty level for your family size, when the court can order more. Federal limits still cap it.

Is money in my bank account protected in New Jersey?

No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Can a creditor take my home or car in New Jersey?

Personal property up to $1,000 plus all clothing is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

Can a collector take Social Security from my bank account in New Jersey?

Your bank must automatically protect two months of directly deposited Social Security, SSI or VA benefits (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). No separate bank amount. Up to $1,000 of personal property, plus clothing, is protected (N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19).

More for New Jersey

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources