Wage Garnishment in California
Calculate Your Protected Paycheck in California
California’s SB 1477 Formula (2023 Overhaul)
California overhauled its wage garnishment formula via SB 1477 (Stats. 2022, Ch. 849), effective September 1, 2023. The new formula is significantly more protective than both the old California formula and the federal CCPA.
The Current Formula
The maximum garnishable per pay period is the lesser of:
- 20% of disposable earnings (reduced from 25%)
- 40% of the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 48× the applicable minimum wage (reduced from 50% and increased from 40×)
If a local minimum wage exceeds the state minimum wage, the higher local rate applies.
Key Changes from the Pre-2023 Formula
| Parameter | Old Formula | Current (SB 1477) |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage cap | 25% | 20% |
| Excess rate | 50% | 40% |
| Exemption multiplier | 40× | 48× |
| Protected floor (2026) | $660/week | $811.20/week |
Practical Example
A worker earning $1,000/week in disposable earnings:
- 20% cap: $200
- 40% of excess above $811.20: 40% × ($1,000 − $811.20) = $75.52
- Garnishable: $75.52 (the lesser amount)
Compare this to the federal formula where the same worker could lose $250/week. California’s protection saves this worker $174.48/week — over $9,000/year.
Minimum Wage Impact
California’s $16.90 state minimum wage (as of January 2026, adjusted annually for inflation) creates a protected floor of 48 × $16.90 = $811.20/week. Many California cities have higher local minimum wages that further increase the protected threshold for workers in those jurisdictions.
California’s Overall Consumer Protection
The NCLC consistently ranks California among the most protective states for debtors. In addition to the garnishment formula, California offers generous homestead exemptions and bank account protections.
Statute: Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 706.050 — Official source
This calculator is for consumer debt garnishment only. Not legal advice. Rules vary by debt type (student loans, child support, taxes). Verify with official sources before making any financial or legal decisions.