Wage Garnishment for Medical Bills: When It Happens and Your Rights

Yes, wages can be garnished for unpaid medical debt—but only after a specific legal process:

1. Creditor sues and obtains a court judgment.
2. Creditor requests a writ of garnishment.
3. Employer withholds a portion of each paycheck (typically ≤25% of disposable earnings, per federal limit; state limits may be lower).

Protections & Exceptions

• Bankruptcy filing: Automatic stay stops garnishment immediately.
• Head-of-household / low-income exemptions: Some states protect more income.
• Federal benefits (SS, VA): Generally exempt from garnishment.
• Financial hardship motion: You can petition the court to reduce/stop garnishment.

Action Steps

• Negotiate payment plan before judgment.
• Respond to any lawsuit—default judgments enable garnishment.
• Consult a consumer attorney or legal aid clinic.