Your bank account was frozen or your pay is being taken
Find out who froze the account and why: ask for the creditor, case number and amount. Most creditors need a court judgment first. Two months of directly deposited Social Security, SSI or VA benefits are usually protected, and states may protect more. File a claim of exemption fast, because deadlines are short. Federal law generally limits wage garnishment to 25% of take-home pay. Legal aid can help, including undoing a judgment you were never told about.
Your checklist
- Get the paperwork: who, case, amount
- Check for a judgment you didn’t know about
- Know what money is protected
- File a claim of exemption fast
- Know the wage garnishment limits
- Get free legal help
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Find out who and why
Ask your bank or employer for the paperwork: the creditor, the court case number and the amount.
How it usually happens
Most creditors must sue you and win a judgment before freezing your bank account (a levy) or taking part of your pay (a garnishment). Many people never saw the lawsuit. Some, like the IRS, federal student loans and child support, can collect without suing.
Protected money
- Banks must usually protect two months of federal benefits paid by direct deposit, like Social Security, SSI and VA benefits.
- Many states protect more, such as part of your wages or a set amount in your account.
Claim your exemptions
File a claim of exemption with the court to release protected money. Deadlines are often only days. Follow the instructions in the papers you received.
Wage limits
For most debts, federal law limits garnishment to 25% of disposable pay, or less for low earners. Some states set lower limits. Child support, taxes and student loans have different rules.
If you never knew about the case
You may be able to ask the court to set aside (undo) the judgment. Legal aid can help.
Official sources, and where to look
- CFPB: garnishment and frozen accountsconsumerfinance.gov
- U.S. Department of Labor: wage garnishment limitsdol.gov
- Legal Services Corporation: free legal aidlsc.gov
[your county] court claim of exemption[your state] wage garnishment limits
Common questions
Can I open a new bank account?
You can, but a creditor with a judgment may be able to levy it too. Protecting exempt money through the court is usually the safer fix. More ›
How do I stop a wage garnishment?
Options include claiming exemptions, negotiating a payment plan with the creditor, undoing a judgment if you weren’t properly served, or in some cases bankruptcy. More ›
Why was my bank account frozen without warning?
Usually because a creditor won a court judgment and sent a levy to your bank. The bank must hold the money, but you can claim protected funds. More ›
Can a debt collector take my Social Security?
Generally not for ordinary debts. Banks must protect two months of federal benefits paid by direct deposit. Some government debts are different. More ›
How much of my paycheck can be garnished?
For most debts, up to 25% of disposable earnings under federal law, or less for low earners. Some states protect more. More ›
What is a claim of exemption?
A form you file with the court to show some of your money is protected by law, like benefits or a portion of wages. Deadlines are short. More ›
Talk to a consumer lawyer or legal aid
Act fast: deadlines are short.
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.