Child support withholding orders would cap deductions for some earners

Employers may not deduct more than 35% of an obligor’s disposable earnings. This applies when the obligor’s current-year individual income does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty guidelines for one person. The limit does not apply if the obligor was found voluntarily impoverished when the most recent court order was issued. Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits also apply. Disposable earnings are earnings left after amounts required by law have been withheld. The text lists an effective date of October 1, 2026 2028, but the supplied formatting does not show which date controls.

The combined amount withheld for current support and arrears may not exceed 25% of disposable earnings. This applies to obligors whose current-year individual income does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty guidelines for one person, including withholding ordered through a court or the child support agency. The limit does not apply if the obligor was found voluntarily impoverished when the most recent court order was issued. The withholding must still cover the support required by the support order, subject to the stated limit and other legal limits. Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits continue to apply. The text lists an effective date of October 1, 2026 2028, but the supplied formatting does not show which date controls.

Withholding orders and notices must explain the applicable federal or state limits, and employees may challenge an amount that exceeds those limits. The rule covers employees whose wages are withheld for child support and the employers receiving the orders or notices. An employee may contest only a mistake of fact, including an amount above the applicable withholding limit. The employee must request an investigation from the Child Support Administration within 15 days after receiving the employer’s notice. The employee may appeal the investigation result by requesting a hearing within 15 days after receiving that result. The text lists an effective date of October 1, 2026 2028, but the supplied formatting does not show which date controls.