Garnishments

Some of the more frequently asked questions regarding garnishments and their answers are listed below. If you still have questions after reading through them please feel free to contact Payroll Services by email at payroll@andrew.cmu.edu or by calling (412) 268-2097.

What is a garnishment?
A garnishment is a legal order to withhold a specified sum of money from your wages to satisfy a debt in accordance with the federal wage garnishment law.

What is a Levy?
A Levy, Earnings Withholding Order or a Wage Assignment is the legal terminology for a garnishment.

What is the difference between those terms?
Different agencies use different terminology for the garnishment. The Sheriff's Department uses the term Wage Assignment. The Federal Government calls it a Levy and the State refers to it as a Earnings Withholding Order. The child support agencies, District Attorney and Family Support Divisions, call it a wage assignment.

How much can you take from my checks?
Carnegie Mellon University is required to deduct a portion of your salary earned from your future paychecks - it could be as much as 50% or higher in some instances.

Can I have Carnegie Mellon reduce the amount taken?
No. This matter is between you and the taxing agency or firm/person named as plaintiff in the order. Only the issuer of the garnishment has legal authority to modify or release your levy. You may wish to consult your attorney.

Will the garnishment amount be deducted from my net pay?
It depends upon the type of garnishment. For example, a Federal Levy will exempt a predetermined amount of your net pay from levy. Otherwise, the deduction is taken from your "Disposable earnings"

Can I skip a deduction?
No. You must contact the appropriate agency or an attorney to get a delay or to work out a different payment arragement.

How can I have the garnishment stopped?
We must have a written release five days prior to payday in order to stop your deduction.