Wage or bank levy? File a claim of exemption in 10 days
If your wages or bank account were frozen, you can ask the court to protect what you need to live.
Education only. Not legal advice, not a determination of your rights, and not a recommendation to take any action. Facts, contracts, deadlines, and current law can change the outcome. For your situation, talk to a qualified professional.
Act within 10 days (California)
When you get a garnishment or levy notice, you usually have a short window — often 10 days in California — to file a claim of exemption. File it with the court and serve the other side.
What a claim of exemption does
It asks the court to protect money you need for basic living. In California, there are limits on how much of your wages can be taken: generally the lesser of 20% of your disposable earnings or 40% of earnings above 48 times the state minimum wage.
Money that is often protected
Some income is usually exempt from garnishment for private debts — for example, most Social Security and many public benefits. But federal debts (taxes, federal student loans, SBA) have special rules. File the exemption and let the court decide.
Free help
California Courts self-help and legal aid can walk you through the exemption forms for free. File before the deadline.
Official sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Sentinel Answer · San Jose, California.