State Debt Laws
Ohio Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to Ohio
Ohio (OH) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (OCSPA) |
| Source | ORC ยง 1345.01 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | YES - covers original creditors too |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 25% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | $1,000 in bank |
| Homestead Exemption | $136,925 |
Key Protections in Ohio
- OCSPA covers original creditors and collectors
- Class action lawsuits allowed under state law
- Significant homestead protection ($136K)
- Attorney fees awarded in successful OCSPA claims
Wage Garnishment in Ohio
After a court judgment, creditors in Ohio can garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - Ohio follows federal law on this limit.
Exempt from garnishment: Federal benefits (Social Security, SSI, VA benefits) cannot be garnished by private creditors regardless of state law.
File a Complaint in Ohio
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (OCSPA):
- File with the Ohio Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)