State Debt Laws
Oregon Debt Collection Laws
Garnishment limits, exemptions, and consumer protections specific to Oregon
Oregon (OR) - At a Glance
| State Consumer Protection Law | Oregon Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Act (OUDCPA) |
| Source | ORS ยง 646.639 et seq. |
| Covers Original Creditors? | No - third-party collectors only |
| Max Wage Garnishment | 25% of disposable earnings (federal minimum; may be lower) |
| Bank Levy Exemption | $7,500 in bank |
| Homestead Exemption | $40,000 |
Key Protections in Oregon
- High bank account exemption ($7,500)
- OUDCPA mirrors FDCPA for state-licensed collectors
- Collection agencies must be licensed in Oregon
- FDCPA applies to third-party collectors
Wage Garnishment in Oregon
After a court judgment, creditors in Oregon can garnish up to 25% of your disposable earnings (earnings after legally required deductions). This is the federal cap - Oregon 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 Oregon
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA or Oregon Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Act (OUDCPA):
- File with the Oregon Attorney General
- File with the CFPB
- Consult a consumer attorney (FDCPA violations = attorney fees paid by collector)