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Reviewed for current 2026 law

Montana Child Support Garnishment Calculator

Apply Montana CSSD’s published 50% order limit.

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

withholding 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 Montana cap for this situation (Mont. Code Ann. § 40-5-416; CSSD employer guidance), 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 (Mont. Code Ann. § 40-5-416; CSSD employer guidance)Although §40-5-416 references the federal CCPA maximum, Montana CSSD states that its own orders are limited to 50% of disposable income; another agency’s order may reach the federal tier.Mont. Code Ann. § 40-5-416 — amount of income withholding (Montana Legislature)$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.

Montana cap under Mont. Code Ann. § 40-5-416; CSSD employer guidance; federal ceiling under 15 U.S.C. 1673(b)(2). Rules last reviewed 2026-08-09.

CSSD orders use a flat 50% ceiling

Montana law references the federal CCPA maximum, while CSSD employer guidance limits its own orders to 50% of disposable income.

Orders from another agency may use a higher federal tier.

CSSD cap
50%source
Income base
Disposable incomesource
Statute
§40-5-416source

Identify the issuing agency

Use this flat cap for a Montana CSSD order; review the federal tier for another issuer.

What this estimate includes

  • CSSD 50% ceiling

What it leaves out

  • Other-agency tier selection
  • Order allocation
  • Employer fee

Montana withholding calculator FAQs

Why not 65%?

Federal law can permit it, but CSSD publishes a 50% policy for its own orders.

What is disposable income?

Income after taxes and mandatory deductions.

Can another agency reach 65%?

Yes, depending on the federal factors.

Is the cap always withheld?

No, it is a ceiling.

Is there an employer fee?

Montana permits up to five dollars monthly per order.

Do support orders have priority?

Generally yes, subject to stated exceptions.

Official sources

Official sources last verified: .

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