New Hampshire provides one of the strongest minimum wage protections in the nation by using 50 times the federal minimum wage as the protection threshold. This means $362.50/week is protected from garnishment — significantly more than the federal $217.50/week threshold (30x). Learn how this compares to other states on our States page.
How Much Can Be Garnished in New Hampshire? A Worked Example
The math matters more than the percentages. In New Hampshire, a creditor with a judgment for consumer debt is limited by two tests, and must use whichever takes less: the percentage cap, and the protected floor of $362.50 per week (50× the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour). Everything at or below that floor is untouchable.
Here is what that means at three income levels. The table assumes roughly 25% of gross pay goes to legally required deductions (federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare); your actual disposable earnings — the number the law actually uses — will vary with your tax situation.
| Gross weekly pay | Estimated disposable earnings | Max weekly garnishment | Share of disposable pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600.00 | $450.00 | $87.50 | 19.4% |
| $900.00 | $675.00 | $168.75 | 25.0% |
| $1,500.00 | $1,125.00 | $281.25 | 25.0% |
Notice how the protected floor changes the picture for lower incomes. To run your own paycheck through the current formula, use the New Hampshire wage garnishment calculator.
New Hampshire vs. the Federal Baseline
| Rule | Federal (CCPA) | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer debt limit | 25% of disposable earnings | 25% of disposable earnings |
| Protected weekly floor | $217.50 (30× federal minimum wage) | $362.50 per week (50× the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr)) |
| Child support | 50–65% of disposable earnings | 50% supporting another family / 60% otherwise, +5% for arrears |
| Federal student loans | 15% of disposable earnings | 15% (federal administrative rule) |
| Head-of-household protection | None | No additional state protection |
New Hampshire's rules protect more of your paycheck than the federal baseline — the higher protected floor means lower-income workers often cannot be garnished at all.
New Hampshire's 50x Protection
New Hampshire's 50x multiplier means that workers earning up to $362.50/week in disposable earnings cannot have their wages garnished at all for consumer debts. For those earning above this threshold, the garnishment is limited to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount exceeding the 50x threshold.
Use our New Hampshire Wage Garnishment Calculator to see your protected amount. You can also check out calculators for other major states like California Wage Garnishment Calculator, Texas Wage Garnishment Calculator, and Florida Wage Garnishment Calculator.
New Hampshire Garnishment Process
In New Hampshire, a creditor must obtain a judgment and then file for a wage attachment. New Hampshire provides notice requirements and opportunities to claim exemptions. For more on how wage garnishment works and how it differs from other collection methods, see our Wage Garnishment vs Bank Levy: What's the Difference? article.
Exemptions
New Hampshire exempts Social Security, veterans benefits, unemployment compensation, and workers compensation. The state also provides strong protections for retirement benefits. Compare New Hampshire's strong protections with other states at our comparison tool.
New Hampshire Wage Garnishment FAQ
Can my wages be garnished in New Hampshire without a court judgment?
Not for consumer debts. A creditor must sue you, win a judgment, and obtain a garnishment order before your employer withholds anything. The exceptions that skip the lawsuit are child support orders, federal student loans (administrative wage garnishment), and tax levies — those follow their own separate procedures.
How much of my paycheck is completely safe in New Hampshire?
For consumer debts: everything at or below $362.50 per week (50× the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr)) — plus whatever the percentage cap leaves above that line. Note that tax debts play by different rules: New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages. Federal IRS levies use their own formula.
What income can never be garnished in New Hampshire?
Key protections include: 50x federal minimum wage protected ($362.50/week); Stronger protection than federal CCPA baseline; No state income tax on wages. Once protected funds are commingled in a bank account, tracing them can get complicated — keep records of exempt deposits.
Can I be fired for having my wages garnished in New Hampshire?
Federal law (CCPA §304) prohibits firing an employee because of a single garnishment order, no matter the state. Protection for multiple garnishments varies — if you face more than one order, review your state's rules or speak with an employment attorney before assuming you are protected.
Need Help Beyond the Calculator?
If you're dealing with wage garnishment or debt collection issues, professional help may be the fastest path forward. Visit our Resources page to explore vetted options for debt relief.
For additional guidance on protecting your income, check out How to File a Wage Garnishment Exemption and learn How Much Can Be Garnished From My Paycheck?