SupportDecode

Reviewed for current 2026 law

Iowa Child Support Garnishment Calculator

Apply Iowa’s ordinary single-order limit before considering exceptional multiple-order tiers.

Reviewed by SupportDecode Editorial Team Page content reviewed Sources Methodology Update log

garnishment calculator

Earnings

Weekly pay left after deductions required by law, such as taxes (15 U.S.C. 1672). Voluntary deductions still count as disposable.

Situation
Does the paying parent support another spouse or dependent child?
Do the arrears cover a period more than 12 weeks ago?

Maximum weekly withholding for support: $400.00

That is 50% of disposable earnings under the Iowa cap for this situation (Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-98.40; 15 U.S.C. § 1673), at or below the federal CCPA tier.

How this limit was computed
Line itemAmount
Federal CCPA ceiling: 60% of disposable earnings (15 U.S.C. 1673(b)(2))15 U.S.C. 1673 (CCPA garnishment limits: 50/55/60/65% for support) (U.S. Congress (text via Cornell LII mirror))$480.00
State cap: 50% of disposable earnings (Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-98.40; 15 U.S.C. § 1673)The Iowa rule ordinarily limits a single support withholding to 50% of nonexempt disposable income; multiple support orders can invoke the higher federal tiers.Iowa Administrative Code rule 441-98.40 — maximum support withholding (Iowa Legislature / Department of Health and Human Services)$400.00
Maximum support withholding: 50% of disposable earnings15 U.S.C. 1673 (CCPA garnishment limits: 50/55/60/65% for support) (U.S. Congress (text via Cornell LII mirror))$400.00

Assumptions

  • Disposable earnings are earnings minus deductions required by law (15 U.S.C. 1672); voluntary deductions are not subtracted.
  • Obligor does not support another spouse or dependent child.
  • No arrears older than 12 weeks.

Estimate only. The court or state agency calculation controls.

Iowa cap under Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-98.40; 15 U.S.C. § 1673; federal ceiling under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)(2). Rules last reviewed 2026-08-09.

Iowa ordinarily caps withholding at 50%

Rule 441-98.40 limits a single support order to 50% of nonexempt disposable income.

Multiple orders can invoke additional federal CCPA criteria; this tool remains at the stricter ordinary ceiling.

Ordinary state ceiling
50%source
Income base
Nonexempt disposable incomesource
Federal backstop
15 U.S.C. §1673(b)source

Use pay after mandatory deductions

Do not subtract voluntary deductions when entering disposable earnings.

What this estimate includes

  • Ordinary Iowa 50% ceiling

What it leaves out

  • Multiple-order allocation
  • Payroll fees and priority

Iowa garnishment calculator FAQs

Why does the result stay at 50%?

Iowa uses that ordinary ceiling for a single support order.

Can multiple orders change the analysis?

Yes, the rule references federal criteria for multiple support orders.

Is this ordinary creditor garnishment?

No, support withholding follows Chapter 252D and Rule 98.40.

What is disposable income?

Earnings after deductions required by law.

Can withholding begin without arrears?

Yes, Iowa generally uses immediate withholding.

Can an employer ignore the order?

No; statutory duties and penalties apply.

Official sources

Official sources last verified: .

Changelog: page reviewed . Material changes appear in the update log.