Pennsylvania debt collection rules: lawsuit deadlines, garnishment limits and judgments
In Pennsylvania, a lawsuit on a contract founded on a writing, or on an express contract not in writing, must be filed within 4 years. On $800.00 of weekly take-home pay, a creditor with a judgment for an ordinary consumer debt can garnish at most $0.00 a week in Pennsylvania — wages are exempt except for support, four weeks of board, a residential-lease judgment, PHEAA student loans and criminal restitution, costs, fines or bail.
The rules at a glance
| Deadline for a creditor to sue | In Pennsylvania, a lawsuit on a contract founded on a writing, or on an express contract not in writing, must be filed within 4 years. (42 Pa.C.S. § 5525(a)(3), (8)) |
|---|---|
| Deadline to respond to a lawsuit | In Pennsylvania, a response to a complaint that carries a notice to defend must be filed within 20 days after service. (Pa.R.C.P. 1026(a)) |
| Wage garnishment limit | In Pennsylvania, wages held by an employer are exempt from attachment except for divorce, support, board for four weeks or less, residential landlord judgments (the lesser of 10% of net wages per pay period or a sum that does not put the debtor below the federal poverty income guidelines), Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency student loans, and restitution to crime victims, costs, fines or bail ordered in a criminal case. (42 Pa.C.S. § 8127(a)) |
How much of your pay can be garnished
| Where you live | $600.00 a week | $800.00 a week | Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $0.00 | $0.00 | 42 Pa.C.S. § 8127(a) wages are exempt except for support, four weeks of board, a residential-lease judgment, PHEAA student loans and criminal restitution, costs, fines or bail |
Frequently asked questions
How long does a creditor have to sue for a debt in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a lawsuit on a contract founded on a writing, or on an express contract not in writing, must be filed within 4 years.
How much of my paycheck can be garnished in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, wages held by an employer are exempt from attachment except for divorce, support, board for four weeks or less, residential landlord judgments (the lesser of 10% of net wages per pay period or a sum that does not put the debtor below the federal poverty income guidelines), Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency student loans, and restitution to crime victims, costs, fines or bail ordered in a criminal case.
Questions answered for Pennsylvania
- How many days do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
- What is the statute of limitations on credit card debt in Pennsylvania?
- Can a credit card company garnish my wages in Pennsylvania?
Compare wage garnishment limits across every state we have verified