Pennsylvania Laws on Wage Garnishments, Statute of Limitations on Debt, and Bankruptcy Property Exemptions
WAGE GARNISHMENT EXEMPTION: 100% of wages exempt
MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE: Legal: 6% Judgment: 6%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON ENFORCEMENT:
Open Account (credit card): 4 years
Written Contract: 4 years
Domestic Judgment: 5 years
Foreign Judgment: 4 years
BAD CHECK LAW DAMAGES: Triple damages equal to $100 or three times check amount, whichever is greater, up to $500
PENNSYLVANIA BANKRUPTCY PROPERTY EXEMPTIONS (Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Ann.)
The State of Pennsylvania has exempted the property and income below from seizure by the bankruptcy court to pay creditors:
Real Property: None.
Personal Property: Bibles, schoolbooks, sewing machine, clothing, unlimited amount [42-8124(a)(1)-(3)]; equipment and uniforms required for military use, unlimited amount [42-8124(a)(4)]
Insurance / Annuities: Fraternal society benefits, unlimited amount [40-1142-403 and 42-8124(c)(8)]; accident or disability benefits, unlimited amount [42-8124(c)(7)]; group life insurance policy or proceeds, unlimited value [42-8124(c)(5)]; insurance or annuity payments if insured is beneficiary, up to $100 per month [42-8124(c)(3)]; life insurance policy proceeds if policy prohibits proceeds being used to pay creditors, unlimited amount [42-8214(c)(4)]; insurance annuity policy proceeds or cash value if beneficiary is insured's spouse, child or dependent, unlimited amount [42-8124(c)(6)]; automobile insurance proceeds (no-fault), unlimited amount [42-8124(c)(9)]
How to Deal with Debt Collectors
Federal and State Laws Regarding Debt Collection
State Laws Regulating Wage Garnishments
Pensions / Retirement Plans: City employees, unlimited amount [53-13445, 53-23572 and 53-39383]; state employees, unlimited amount [71-5953]; county employees, unlimited amount [16-4716]; municipal employees, unlimited amount [53-881.115]; police officers, unlimited amount [53-764, 53-776, 53-23666]; public school employees, unlimited amount [24-8533]; private retirement benefits deposited more than one year before filing bankruptcy [?]
Public Benefits / Entitlements: Unemployment compensation, unlimited amount [42-8124(a)(10) and 43-863]; workers' compensation, unlimited amount [42-8124(c)(2)]; crime victim's compensation, unlimited amount [71-180-7.10]; veterans' benefits, unlimited amount [51.20012 and 51-20098]
Wages: Earned but unpaid wages, unlimited amount [42-8127]
Miscellaneous: Business partnership property, unlimited amount [15-8342]; any property up to $300 [42-8123]