What is wage garnishment?

What is wage garnishment?

A wage garnishment is also called a wage claim. It means that the creditor, a bailiff, seizes your wages (or your benefits) to pay off a (monetary) debt. This is only allowed with the permission of the court or government. Therefore, you first receive a judgment, order, or writ of execution.

When the bailiff seizes your salary, we are obliged to pay part of your salary to the bailiff to settle your debt. The bailiff informs you via a letter about the wage garnishment, always taking into account a garnishment-free allowance.

What is a garnishment-free allowance?

In the case of a wage garnishment, the bailiff must always take into account your garnishment-free allowance. That is the part of your wages (or benefits) that you cannot miss and keep for yourself.

The amount of the garnishment-free allowance depends on your personal situation (age and family composition).
The garnishment-free allowance can also be influenced by a:
- increase for housing costs
- increase for medical expenses
- increase for compensation of child-related budget
- decrease for any other income or income of your partner.

The wages above your garnishment-free allowance are transferred to the bailiff. This continues until all of the debt to the bailiff is paid. Also, your holiday pay and, for example, payment for overtime go to the bailiff.

If you have any questions about this, please contact the relevant bailiff.

Help and support

A wage garnishment can lead to financial problems, and we can imagine that you are concerned about this. There are various ways you can get help and support.

Geldfit

As an employee of Timing, you can call our partner Geldfit (0800-8115) for free. They can help with organizing or maintaining financial matters. You can also ask for personal advice and find practical tips on the Geldfit site.

Budget coaching

You can also sign up for free budget coaching. Together with your budget coach, you review and discuss your financial situation. Your coach provides you with tailored help and advice. Would you like to be eligible for this? Then email: [email protected]. The conversations are, of course, confidential, and we as an employer are not involved in the content.

Role of the municipality

Your municipality can also help you with debts. For example, a debt counselor from the municipality can try to make arrangements with creditors. During this process, you receive help from a debt counselor. They give you advice and tips to get started yourself. The debt counselor looks at the amount of the debts, your monthly income, and your expenses.

NIBUD

On the NIBUD website, it is clearly explained what happens in this situation. It also describes what you can do yourself. You will find many tips on saving and what you can do in case of financial problems.

Questions about your wage garnishment?

For questions about your wage garnishment at Timing, you can call the wage garnishment department: 055-5805930.