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. StepChange / Citizens Advice / National Debtline (0800 138 1111) checks the amounts for free and negotiates with the creditor; County Court — money claim online (gov.uk) is where you object if the calculation is wrong or the debt is disputed; Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law Centres (0345 345 4 345) if you need a lawyer and cannot pay one.

Call firstStepChange / Citizens Advice / National Debtline

Report toCounty Court — money claim online

If that failsCivil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law Centres

🗣️ 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: StepChange / Citizens Advice / National DebtlineThey recalculate, negotiate a plan, and stop parallel garnishments.
Object at County Court — money claim onlineWrong amount, time-barred or disputed debt, hardship — within the deadline on the notice.

📇 All contacts

StepChange / Citizens Advice / National DebtlineFree debt advice, breathing space, debt relief ordersAs soon as bills cannot be paid📞 0800 138 1111 🔗 www.stepchange.org

County Court — money claim onlineClaims without a solicitor; up to 3× the deposit if it was unprotectedWhen the scheme cannot help🔗 www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money

Civil Legal Advice / Citizens Advice / Law CentresLegal aid on low income, free adviceWhen you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0345 345 4 345 🔗 www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice

Council Adult Social Care — needs assessmentCare needs assessment, carer's assessment, direct paymentsFor care and support🔗 www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services

❓ 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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🧭 Is this still correct?

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