How to Withhold for Support Orders

How to Calculate Maximum Withholding for Support Orders

• If the employee 1) is supporting a wife or child in addition to the person being supported by this order, and 2) the support order relates to a period less than 12 weeks prior to the beginning of this work period, a maximum of 50% of disposable earnings may be withheld. Example: assuming disposable earnings of $544.00, the maximum which may be withheld is $544.00 times 50% = $272.00.  (See the Code of Virginia, § 34-29 (b1) (2).

• If the employee 1) is supporting another person (see above), and 2) the support order relates to a period more than 12 weeks prior (see above), a maximum of 55%, may be withheld. Example: the maximum which may be withheld is $544.00 times 55% = $299.20.  (See the Code of Virginia, § 34-29 (b1) (2).

• If the employee 1) is not supporting another person, and 2) the support order relates to a period less than 12 weeks prior, a maximum of 60% may be withheld. Example: the maximum which may be withheld is $544.00 times 60% = $326.40.  (See the Code of Virginia, § 34-29 (b1) (2).

• If the employee 1) is not supporting another person, and 2) the support is more than 12 weeks prior, a maximum of 65% may be withheld. Example: the maximum which may be withheld is $544.00 times 65% = $353.60.  (See the Code of Virginia, § 34-29 (b1) (2).