Wage garnishment and exemptions in Ohio

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

Short answer

Ohio follows the federal limit on wage garnishment. Federal limit applies: you keep the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (60 times biweekly, 65 times semimonthly, 130 times monthly). (R.C. 2329.66(A)(13)) In a bank account: $625 in cash and bank deposits (other than earnings) is exempt from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028.

Wage limit
25% (federal limit)
Federal benefits in a bank account
Up to 2 months protected
Law
R.C. 2329.66

How much of your pay can be garnished in Ohio

Wage limit
Federal limit applies: you keep the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (60 times biweekly, 65 times semimonthly, 130 times monthly). (R.C. 2329.66(A)(13))
Law
R.C. 2329.66

Ohio is one of 17 states in our 48 state guides that use the federal limit (15 U.S.C. 1673(a)).

In nearby states

Ohio exemptions for your home, car and belongings

  • Your home is protected up to $182,625 in equity, and for a judgment on medical bills the home cannot be sold while you or your family use it as a residence (R.C. 2329.66(A)(1)).
  • One motor vehicle is protected up to $5,025 (R.C. 2329.66(A)(2)).
  • These are the amounts in effect from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028; the statute lists lower base amounts that are adjusted every three years (R.C. 2329.66(B)).

Money in your bank account in Ohio

$625 in cash and bank deposits (other than earnings) is exempt from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028. The law's base amount is $400; it is raised for inflation every three years. (R.C. 2329.66(A)(3), (B))

Directly deposited Social Security, SSI, VA and certain other federal benefits are protected up to two months' worth, without filing anything (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). More in our guide to debt lawsuits.

Also in Ohio

  • R.C. 2329.66 (exemptions) was amended by H.B. 96 (136th GA), effective September 30, 2025; the dollar amounts above were not changed by it.
  • Exemption amounts were raised for inflation on April 1, 2025.

Before a garnishment: the court case in Ohio

If you do not answer within 28 days, the court can enter a default judgment against you, which can lead to wage or bank garnishment.

If you are sued, answer on time. In Ohio: 28 days after you are served with the summons and complaint (Ohio Civ.R. 12(A)(1))

What to do if you are sued in Ohio

Claiming your exemptions in Ohio

  1. Keep every paper

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

  2. Know Ohio's limit

    Ohio's wage rule: Federal limit applies: you keep the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (60 times biweekly, 65 times semimonthly, 130 times monthly).

  3. Check your bank deposits

    Ohio also protects money in an account: $625 in cash and bank deposits (other than earnings) is exempt from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028. Two months of direct-deposited federal benefits must be left alone (31 CFR 212.6).

  4. Claim your exemptions in court

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

Questions about garnishment in Ohio

What is the wage garnishment limit in Ohio?

Federal limit applies: you keep the greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 30 times the federal minimum wage per week (60 times biweekly, 65 times semimonthly, 130 times monthly). (R.C. 2329.66(A)(13))

Is money in my bank account protected in Ohio?

$625 in cash and bank deposits (other than earnings) is exempt from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028. The law's base amount is $400; it is raised for inflation every three years. (R.C. 2329.66(A)(3), (B))

Can a creditor take my home or car in Ohio?

Your home is protected up to $182,625 in equity, and for a judgment on medical bills the home cannot be sold while you or your family use it as a residence (R.C. 2329.66(A)(1)). One motor vehicle is protected up to $5,025 (R.C. 2329.66(A)(2)). These are the amounts in effect from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028; the statute lists lower base amounts that are adjusted every three years (R.C. 2329.66(B)).

Can a creditor garnish federal benefits in my bank account in Ohio?

Directly deposited Social Security, SSI, VA and certain other federal benefits are protected up to two months' worth, without filing anything (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). $625 in cash and bank deposits (other than earnings) is exempt from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028.

Keep reading about Ohio

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources