Student loan wage garnishment: the 15% rule

Short answer: If a federal student loan is in default, ED can order your employer to withhold up to 15% of your disposable pay through administrative wage garnishment (AWG) without a court order. Federal law also protects a minimum amount: garnishment cannot reduce weekly disposable pay below 30 times the federal minimum wage. You must get written notice at least 30 days before garnishment starts and can request a hearing.

Last verified November 5, 2026 · PSLFCheck Editorial

Your rights

30-day advance written notice.
Right to inspect and copy loan records.
Right to a hearing to dispute the debt or claim financial hardship (request within the notice window to prevent garnishment from starting).
Right to enter a repayment agreement.

How to stop it

Contact the Default Resolution Group or loan holder listed on your notice.
Request a hearing if you dispute the debt or face hardship.
Start loan rehabilitation or consolidation; garnishment can stop once you're out of default (rehabilitation typically after five qualifying payments, on request).

"Disposable pay" is what remains after legally required deductions such as taxes. This is an overview, not legal advice.

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FAQ

Can they take more than 15%?

Under AWG for federal student loans, the cap is 15% of disposable pay. Other debts or court orders may be separate.

Does garnishment stop if I rehabilitate?

Generally, garnishment can be suspended after you make a set number of rehabilitation payments; confirm with your loan holder.

Sources

Collections: administrative wage garnishment — studentaid.gov — accessed November 5, 2026
20 U.S.C. 1095a — Wage garnishment requirement (Cornell LII) — accessed November 5, 2026
34 CFR 34 — Administrative wage garnishment (eCFR) — accessed November 5, 2026
Getting out of default — studentaid.gov — accessed November 5, 2026

By state

See student loan default and garnishment by state.

Disclaimer: Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or any loan servicer. Educational information, not financial or legal advice. Results are estimates. Confirm with studentaid.gov or your servicer. Published by PSLFCheck Editorial, AK Digital Marketing LLC.