GarnishmentCalc

State-by-State Wage Garnishment Laws

MA Garnishment Law

Massachusetts Wage Garnishment Calculator

Massachusetts offers among the strongest wage garnishment protections in the entire country. The state limits consumer debt garnishment to just 15% of gross weekly wages and protects 50 times the state minimum wage from garnishment. With Massachusetts' minimum wage at $15.00 per hour, this means $750.00 per week is completely shielded from creditors — more than triple the federal protection of $217.50.

Key Massachusetts garnishment facts

State abbreviationMA
Consumer debt limit15% of disposable earnings, subject to the 50x minimum wage test
Child support limit50% if supporting another family, 60% otherwise, plus 5% for arrears
Federal student loans15% administrative garnishment cap
State minimum wage$15.00
Minimum wage source used in calculatorMassachusetts minimum wage
Head of household protectionNo additional protection listed
Statute referenceMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 246, §28

Additional notes

Massachusetts provides very strong protections. Garnishment is limited to 15% of gross wages, and 50 times the state minimum wage is protected. With MA's $15.00/hr minimum wage, $750/week is protected.

Tax levy note: Massachusetts Department of Revenue can levy wages for state tax debts.

Key protections and reminders

  • • Garnishment limited to 15% of gross wages
  • • 50x state minimum wage protected ($750/week)
  • • Among the strongest protections in the nation
  • • Court judgment required before garnishment