Wage Garnishment in South Carolina

South Carolina: Complete Wage Protection for Consumer Debt

South Carolina is one of only four states — along with North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas — that completely prohibit wage garnishment for consumer debts. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-104, wages are fully exempt from garnishment for credit card judgments, medical bills, personal loans, and other consumer obligations.

The Debtor’s Exemption Tradition

South Carolina’s wage protection is rooted in the “debtor’s exemption” legal tradition dating back to the colonial era. The policy rationale has always been that a worker’s wages are essential to supporting a family, and allowing creditors to intercept them would cause disproportionate harm. This protection has withstood centuries of legal scrutiny.

Regional Context

South Carolina’s ban is an outlier in the Deep South. Neighboring Georgia follows the bare federal baseline (25% cap, $217.50/week protected), while North Carolina also bans garnishment. A worker in Georgia making $700/week in disposable earnings could lose up to $72.50/week under CCPA limits, while the same worker in South Carolina is fully protected. This regional disparity can be significant for families managing debt collection lawsuits.

Important Limitations

The ban applies only to consumer debts. Garnishment is still permitted for child support, alimony, federal student loans, state and federal taxes, and criminal restitution — categories where federal law preempts state protections.

Statute: S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-104 — 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.