Pennsylvania Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania (PA) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (FCEUA) |
| Source | 73 P.S. ยง 2270.1 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | YES - covers original creditors too |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 0% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | $300 in bank |
| Homestead Exemption | None |
Key Protections in Pennsylvania
- FCEUA covers original creditors (beyond FDCPA)
- Pennsylvania BANS wage garnishment for most consumer debts
- No wage garnishment except taxes, child support, student loans
- No homestead exemption - home equity may be at risk
Wage Garnishment in Pennsylvania
After a court judgment, creditors in Pennsylvania can garnish up to 0% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - Pennsylvania follows federal law on this limit.
Exempt from garnishment: Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA benefits) cannot be garnished by private creditors regardless of state law.
Note: Some or all wages may be exempt from garnishment in Pennsylvania. Consult a local attorney.
File a Complaint in Pennsylvania
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (FCEUA):
- File with the Pennsylvania Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)
Pennsylvania Debt Resources
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations
Credit card, medical, auto, and personal loan SoL in Pennsylvania.
View SoL →SoL Date Calculator
Calculate the exact SoL expiration date for your debt.
Check SoL →Federal Collector Rules
What debt collectors can and can't do under federal law.
Read Guide →