Buena Vista County Attorney's Office

Iowa wage garnishment is capped at federal limits (25% of disposable income or 30× minimum wage) — and Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina ban most consumer wage garnishment entirely.

Iowa consumers facing debt-collection lawsuits have powerful defenses — federal FDCPA, state consumer protection laws, statutes of limitations, and proof requirements that collectors often can't meet.

Iowa student loans CAN be discharged in bankruptcy under the "undue hardship" Brunner test, plus DOJ's 2022 guidance has made it dramatically easier. Other federal options — IDR, PSLF, forgiveness — also relevant.