My wages are being garnished — what are my rights?
A garnishment needs a court order or an enforceable title, and it can only take the part above the protected minimum — a legal amount that must stay yours for rent and food, higher if you support children. Ask the bailiff or the employer for the order and the calculation. Caritas Malta — servizz ta' konsulenza dwar dejn / Aġenzija Appoġġ (2590 6600) checks the amounts for free and negotiates with the creditor; Tribunal għal Talbiet Żgħar (justice.gov.mt) is where you object if the calculation is wrong or the debt is disputed; Aġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali (2567 4200) if you need a lawyer and cannot pay one.
🗣️ What to say
"I have been notified of a garnishment of my wages for [creditor], reference [number]. Please send me the enforceable title and the calculation of the protected amount. My household consists of [persons], which raises the protected minimum. I ask for the deduction to be corrected to [amount]."
🪜 Step by step
- Get the orderEmployer or bailiff must show it. No order, no garnishment.
- Check the protected minimumDepends on your net pay and dependants. Tell the employer or bailiff about children and maintenance — it changes the figure.
- Bank account too?A garnished account has its own protected amount; ask the bank to apply it. Many countries require you to designate the account.
- Debt advice: Caritas Malta — servizz ta' konsulenza dwar dejn / Aġenzija AppoġġThey recalculate, negotiate a plan, and stop parallel garnishments.
- Object at Tribunal għal Talbiet ŻgħarWrong amount, time-barred or disputed debt, hardship — within the deadline on the notice.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Can my employer fire me for a garnishment?
No, and in most countries it is expressly forbidden. A dismissal for that reason is contestable.
Several creditors at once
They queue in order of the orders; the protected minimum applies once. Debt advice can convert this into one plan.
Can they take my whole account?
Not the protected part. If the bank blocked everything, ask for the protected amount to be released immediately — it is a right, not a favour.
📎 Sources
- Caritas Malta — servizz ta' konsulenza dwar dejn / Aġenzija Appoġġ →
- Tribunal għal Talbiet Żgħar →
- Aġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali →
- Aġenzija Sapport / Aġenzija Appoġġ / Kummissjoni għad-Drittijiet ta' Persuni b'Diżabilità →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “wage garnishment protected minimum Malta”
- “garnishment rights employee”
- “bank account garnished protected amount”
- “object to garnishment”
- “bailiff wage deduction too high”
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