Wage Garnishment and Exemption Amount in Utrecht
With wage garnishment, a portion of your income is directly deducted for creditors. You always retain a minimum amount, the exemption amount.
What does wage garnishment entail?
If a creditor has a court judgment, they can levy garnishment on your salary. Your employer then withholds part of your wages and pays it to the creditor.
What is the Exemption Amount?
The exemption amount is the minimum amount you retain to live on. This is determined based on:
- Your living situation
- Housing costs
- Any financial benefits
Amount of the Exemption Amount
The exemption amount roughly amounts to 90% of the social assistance norm, supplemented by a portion of your housing costs and health insurance premium.
How is this calculated?
Since 2021, the exemption amount is automatically determined via the Digital Garnishment Register to prevent errors.
Multiple Garnishments Simultaneously
If there are multiple garnishments, your exemption amount remains unchanged. You therefore retain the same minimum amount.
Statutory basis: Code of Civil Procedure
Frequently Asked Questions about Wage Garnishment in Utrecht
How much of my salary can be withheld?
With wage garnishment, it is always ensured that you retain the exemption amount, approximately 90% of the social assistance norm plus a portion of housing and health care costs. The exact amount depends on your situation and is calculated via the Digital Garnishment Register. Only the amount above this minimum is withheld.
What if my employer withholds too much?
If you think too much is being deducted, check this via the Digital Garnishment Register or contact the bailiff. You are entitled to a correct exemption amount. Ask your employer or bailiff for a revision. In case of problems, you can seek legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55.
How is the exemption amount calculated with benefits?
Financial benefits such as rent or health care allowance are included in determining your exemption amount. This increases the amount you may retain. The calculation is done automatically via the Digital Garnishment Register, based on your income and expenses. Request the details from the bailiff.
Can I object to wage garnishment?
Yes, you can file an objection if you believe the garnishment is unjustified or the exemption amount has not been correctly applied. Submit an objection to the bailiff or the court, for example via the District Court of Midden-Nederland at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1. Consider legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket.
What if there are multiple creditors?
With multiple garnishments, your exemption amount remains the same. The amount above this minimum is distributed among the creditors, with priority debts such as maintenance often taking precedence. The distribution is handled by the bailiff.