Wage garnishment and exemptions in Rhode Island

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

Short answer

Rhode Island follows the federal limit on wage garnishment. Federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above $217.50 a week (30 times the federal minimum wage), whichever is less. Rhode Island fully protects wages of someone who received public relief, for one year after the relief ends. In a bank account: $500 in savings or other deposits (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(18)).

Wage limit
25% (federal limit)
Federal benefits in a bank account
Up to 2 months protected
Law
15 U.S.C. § 1673; R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(8), (18)

Your paycheck and garnishment in Rhode Island

Wage limit
Federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above $217.50 a week (30 times the federal minimum wage), whichever is less. Rhode Island fully protects wages of someone who received public relief, for one year after the relief ends.
Law
15 U.S.C. § 1673; R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(8), (18)

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

In nearby states

Property you can keep in Rhode Island

  • Homestead up to $500,000 in your principal residence, automatic (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4.1).
  • Motor vehicles up to $12,000 total and household goods up to $9,600 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(3), (13)).

What Rhode Island protects in a bank account

$500 in savings or other deposits (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(18)).

Two months of federal benefits paid by direct deposit are off-limits to a garnishment, and the bank applies this on its own (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). More in our guide to debt lawsuits.

The lawsuit comes first in Rhode Island

If you don't answer in time, the court can enter a default judgment against you for what the plaintiff asked for (the District Court summons must warn you of this, R.I. Dist. Ct. Civ. R. 4(a)).

If you are sued, answer on time. In Rhode Island: District Court civil case: serve your answer within 20 days after you are served (R.I. Dist. Ct. Civ. R. 12(a)).

What to do if you are sued in Rhode Island

How to claim an exemption in Rhode Island

  1. Read every notice

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

  2. Know Rhode Island's limit

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

  3. Protect your bank money

    Rhode Island also protects money in an account: $500 in savings or other deposits (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(18)). Two months of direct-deposited federal benefits must be left alone (31 CFR 212.6).

  4. File the exemption claim

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

  5. Ask for free help

    Free help in Rhode Island: Rhode Island Legal Services and CFPB – submit a complaint.

Questions about garnishment in Rhode Island

Can a creditor take my wages in Rhode Island, and how much?

Federal limit applies: up to 25% of disposable earnings, or the amount above $217.50 a week (30 times the federal minimum wage), whichever is less. Rhode Island fully protects wages of someone who received public relief, for one year after the relief ends.

Is money in my bank account protected in Rhode Island?

$500 in savings or other deposits (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(18)).

Can a creditor take my home or car in Rhode Island?

Homestead up to $500,000 in your principal residence, automatic (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4.1). Motor vehicles up to $12,000 total and household goods up to $9,600 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(3), (13)).

Can a creditor garnish federal benefits in my bank account in Rhode Island?

Two months of federal benefits paid by direct deposit are off-limits to a garnishment, and the bank applies this on its own (31 CFR 212.5, 212.6). $500 in savings or other deposits (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-26-4(18)).

More for Rhode Island

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources