Wage garnishment on my salary — what are my rights?
Wage garnishment (bailiff takes part of salary at employer): (1) Protected portion = amount you MUST keep for living. Calculation: 95% of welfare norm + rent allowance share + health insurance. Single 2026: ~€1,350 + rent allowance. Family: ~€1,700 + rent allowance. (2) Often miscalculated: bailiff uses old figures. Demand recalculation via bailiff form + proof (pay slip, lease, insurance). Mandatory annually or on family change. (3) Too low protected portion? Complaint to bailiff + KBvG (complaints commission) free. (4) Council debt help: stops garnishment during amicable trajectory (max 12 mo). Apply via council or NVVK member. (5) Wsnp: court debt rescheduling (3 yrs) stops all garnishments + leads to debt peace. Apply after amicable. (6) Employer info: bailiff informs employer — no shame, employer can't dismiss for garnishment. Privacy limited: only payroll knows. (7) Uncapped garnishment: on illegal work + cash — risk of criminal + losing protected portion. Don't be intimidated by bailiff — demand written paper.
Step by step
- 1Request protected portion calcIn writing to bailiff. Send income + rent + health costs. Mandatory recalc 1x/yr.
- 2Council debt helpFree. Stops garnishment during process. Sign-up 4-wk intake (statutory).
- 3KBvG complaint on disputeFree bailiffs complaint commission. Reviews calculation + conduct. Binding.
- 4Multiple garnishments: courtRequest garnishment coordination. €87 court fee (low income). Sometimes reversed.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Can employer fire me over garnishment?
No, employer can't fire for reason “garnishment”. On dismissal: court (within 2 months) — strong employee position. Admin hassle for employer but no ground.
How much can bailiff take?
Difference between net income and protected portion. Example: net €2,000, protected €1,350 = max €650 garnishment/mo. Multiple debts: priority by first garnishment date.
Sources
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