RCW 6.27.150
Exemption of earnings—Amount.
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, if the garnishee is an employer owing the defendant earnings, then for each week of such earnings, an amount shall be exempt from garnishment which is the greatest of the following:
(a) Thirty-five times the federal minimum hourly wage in effect at the time the earnings are payable; or
(b) Seventy-five percent of the disposable earnings of the defendant.
(2) In the case of a garnishment based on a court order for spousal maintenance, other than a mandatory wage assignment order pursuant to chapter 26.18 RCW, or a mandatory assignment of retirement benefits pursuant to chapter 41.50 RCW, the exemption shall be fifty percent of the disposable earnings of the defendant.
(3) In the case of a garnishment based on a judgment or other order for the collection of private student loan debt, for each week of such earnings, an amount shall be exempt from garnishment which is the greater of the following:
(a) Fifty times the minimum hourly wage of the highest minimum wage law in the state at the time the earnings are payable; or
(b) Eighty-five percent of the disposable earnings of the defendant.
(4) In the case of a garnishment based on a judgment or other order for the collection of consumer debt, for each week of such earnings, an amount shall be exempt from garnishment which is the greater of the following:
(a) Thirty-five times the state minimum hourly wage; or
(b) Eighty percent of the disposable earnings of the defendant.
(5) The exemptions stated in this section shall apply whether such earnings are paid, or are to be paid, weekly, monthly, or at other intervals, and whether earnings are due the defendant for one week, a portion thereof, or for a longer period.
(6) Unless directed otherwise by the court, the garnishee shall determine and deduct exempt amounts under this section as directed in the writ of garnishment and answer, and shall pay these amounts to the defendant.
(7) No money due or earned as earnings as defined in RCW 6.27.010 shall be exempt from garnishment under the provisions of RCW 6.15.010, as now or hereafter amended.
[ 2021 c 35 § 3; 2019 c 371 § 7; 2018 c 199 § 207; 2012 c 159 § 9; 1991 c 365 § 26; 1987 c 442 § 1015; 1981 c 193 § 6; 1971 c 6 § 1; 1970 ex.s. c 61 § 3; 1969 ex.s. c 264 § 28. Formerly RCW 7.33.280.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2018 c 199: See notes following RCW 67.08.100.
Severability—1991 c 365: See note following RCW 41.50.500.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 6 - Enforcement of Judgments
6.27.005 - Legislative intent.
6.27.020 - Grounds for issuance of writ—Time of issuance of prejudgment writs.
6.27.030 - Application of chapter to district courts.
6.27.040 - State and municipal corporations subject to garnishment—Service of writ.
6.27.050 - Garnishment of money held by officer—Of judgment debtor—Of personal representative.
6.27.060 - Application for writ—Affidavit—Fee.
6.27.070 - Issuance of writ—Form—Dating—Attestation.
6.27.080 - Writ directed to financial institution—Form and service.
6.27.090 - Amount garnishee required to hold.
6.27.095 - Garnishee's processing fees.
6.27.100 - Form of writ of garnishment.
6.27.105 - Form of writ for continuing lien on earnings.
6.27.110 - Service of writ generally—Forms—Requirements for person serving writ—Return.
6.27.120 - Effect of service of writ.
6.27.140 - Form of returns under RCW 6.27.130.
6.27.150 - Exemption of earnings—Amount.
6.27.160 - Claiming exemptions—Form—Hearing—Attorney's fees—Costs—Release of funds or property.
6.27.170 - Garnished employee not to be discharged—Exception.
6.27.180 - Bond to discharge writ.
6.27.190 - Answer of garnishee—Contents—Forms.
6.27.200 - Default judgment—Reduction upon motion of garnishee—Attorney's fees.
6.27.210 - Answer of garnishee may be controverted by plaintiff or defendant.
6.27.220 - Controversion—Procedure.
6.27.230 - Controversion—Costs and attorney's fees.
6.27.240 - Discharge of garnishee.
6.27.250 - Judgment against garnishee—Procedure if debt not mature.
6.27.260 - Execution on judgment against garnishee.
6.27.265 - Form for judgment against garnishee.
6.27.270 - Decree directing garnishee to deliver up effects—Disposition.
6.27.280 - Procedure upon failure of garnishee to deliver.
6.27.290 - Similarity of names—Procedure.
6.27.300 - Garnishee protected against claim of defendant.
6.27.310 - Dismissal of writ after one year—Notice—Exception.
6.27.320 - Dismissal of garnishment—Duty of plaintiff—Procedure—Penalty—Costs.
6.27.330 - Continuing lien on earnings—Authorized.
6.27.340 - Continuing lien on earnings—Forms for answer to writ.
6.27.350 - Continuing lien on earnings—When lien becomes effective—Termination—Second answer.
6.27.360 - Continuing lien on earnings—Priorities—Exceptions.
6.27.900 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.