Wage Garnishment in Missouri

Missouri: Dramatic 10% Cap for Heads of Household

Missouri provides one of the most generous head-of-household garnishment protections in the nation. Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 525.030, while most workers face the standard federal baseline of 25% of disposable earnings, heads of household see their garnishment cap drop to just 10% — protecting 90% of their disposable earnings from creditors.

The HOH Advantage

For a head of household earning $800/week in disposable earnings:

• HOH status in Missouri: maximum garnishment is $80/week (10%)
• Non-HOH in Missouri: maximum garnishment is $200/week (25% federal default)
• Federal baseline for anyone: maximum garnishment is $200/week (25%)

The difference is dramatic — HOH workers in Missouri lose less than half of what the federal default allows. This protection applies when the worker provides the primary financial support for dependents in their household.

Regional Comparison

Missouri’s 10% HOH cap is one of the strongest in the Midwest. Nebraska offers a 15% HOH cap, Illinois uses a 15% gross cap for all workers, while neighboring Kansas and Iowa provide no HOH enhancement at all. Kentucky and Tennessee also follow the federal baseline without HOH enhancements.

The NCLC Context

Despite the strong HOH provision, Missouri received an ‘F’ grade from the NCLC in its 2024 “No Fresh Start” report. The report cited weak asset exemptions and debtor protections outside the wage garnishment context, meaning workers who do not qualify for HOH status remain vulnerable.

Statute: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 525.030; 15 U.S.C. § 1673 — 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.