New York Wage Garnishment (Income Execution) Calculator
Estimate a New York income execution
New York compares two limits and uses the smaller one, then applies a minimum-wage floor. Enter your numbers. Nothing is stored.
The two tests New York runs, and the floor underneath them
New York's income execution rule, set by CPLR Section 5231, is stricter for the wage earner than the plain federal rule, because it adds a 10% of gross income ceiling on top of the federal 25% of disposable test and uses whichever produces the smaller amount. Underneath both sits a floor: no garnishment can touch the part of your disposable earnings at or below 30 times the higher of the state or federal minimum wage. New York's minimum wage in 2026 is $17.00 an hour downstate (New York City, Long Island, and Westchester) and $16.00 upstate, so the weekly floor is about $510 downstate and $480 upstate.
How an income execution actually unfolds in New York
A creditor with a judgment first delivers the income execution to a marshal or sheriff, who serves it on you and gives 20 days to start paying voluntarily. Only if you do not is the execution served on your employer, who then withholds under the limits above. Understanding that sequence matters, because the earliest stage is the cheapest time to respond, before money starts leaving your check.
Reducing or stopping a New York garnishment
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to ask the court to modify the income execution, claim exemptions for protected income like Social Security, negotiate a settlement to release it, or address the underlying debt through a broader relief program. CuraDebt is a free service that reviews the information you submit and, where appropriate and permitted by law, matches you with independent, licensed providers for debt relief or tax resolution. CuraDebt is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a creditor garnish in New York?
The lesser of 10% of your gross wages or 25% of your disposable earnings, and only the disposable pay above 30 times the minimum wage. If your disposable pay is below that floor, the amount is zero.
Why does New York use 10% of gross?
CPLR 5231 caps an ordinary income execution at 10% of gross income, which for many workers is less than the federal 25% of disposable figure. New York uses whichever is smaller, which tends to protect more of your pay.
What is the minimum-wage floor in New York?
No garnishment can reach the part of your disposable earnings at or below 30 times the higher of the state or federal minimum wage. With New York's 2026 minimum wage of $17 downstate and $16 upstate, that floor is roughly $510 and $480 per week.
Can I stop a New York income execution?
Sometimes. You may be able to move to modify it, claim exemptions, settle the debt to release the garnishment, or resolve the balance another way. Because it moves through a marshal or sheriff first, acting early gives you the most room.
Does CuraDebt calculate garnishment or give legal advice in New York, and is it a law firm?
CuraDebt is a free service that reviews the information you submit and, where appropriate and permitted by law, matches you with independent, licensed providers for debt relief or tax resolution. CuraDebt is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
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