My wages are being garnished — what are my rights?

Direct answer

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. Kommunens budget- och skuldrådgivning (konsumentverket.se) checks the amounts for free and negotiates with the creditor; Kronofogden — betalningsföreläggande (kronofogden.se) is where you object if the calculation is wrong or the debt is disputed; Rättshjälpsmyndigheten / rättsskydd i hemförsäkringen (060 13 46 00) if you need a lawyer and cannot pay one.

Call firstKommunens budget- och skuldrådgivning

Report toKronofogden — betalningsföreläggande

If that failsRättshjälpsmyndigheten / rättsskydd i hemförsäkringen

🗣️ 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: Kommunens budget- och skuldrådgivningThey recalculate, negotiate a plan, and stop parallel garnishments.
Object at Kronofogden — betalningsföreläggandeWrong amount, time-barred or disputed debt, hardship — within the deadline on the notice.

📇 All contacts

Kommunens budget- och skuldrådgivningFree debt advice, debt restructuring via the enforcement authorityAs soon as bills cannot be paid🔗 www.konsumentverket.se/for-konsument/ekonomi/budget-och-skuldradgivning

Kronofogden — betalningsföreläggandeA claim without court; if contested it goes to the district courtLast step, with a clear claim🔗 www.kronofogden.se/betalningsforelaggande

Rättshjälpsmyndigheten / rättsskydd i hemförsäkringenLegal aid on low income; legal-expenses cover via home insuranceWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 060 13 46 00 🔗 www.rattshjalp.se

Kommunens socialtjänst / biståndshandläggareHome care, disability support, decisions, appealsFor care and support🔗 www.socialstyrelsen.se

❓ 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

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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✂️ My wages are being garnished — what are my rights?