“Dear Steve,
Recently I noticed my pay checks was short by several hundred dollars each pay period. After talking to payroll I was told and then saw I was being garnished for repayment of a student loan. I have never recieved ANY paperwork either from the DE or my employer. When I have asked my employer for more information they give me a 1800 number for loan repayment. They have taken nearly 2000 dollars from me and withheld my entire federal income tax for a loan that was only 7000.
I live in Colorado and would like to know if it is legal for my employer and/or the Department of education to garnish 15% without notification to me first?
Becca”
The Answer:
Dear Becca,
Did you call the number and inquire about the garnishment? It sounds like you did owe a student loan and they do have the ability to garnish your wages without first taking you to court.
See My Wages Were Garnished for a Student Loan Without Taking Me to Court. – Pamela for details on this.
At the very least you should have been notified in advance of the garnishment. I wonder if they have an old address for you on file and sent the notice there?
Please update me on your progress by posting updates here in the comments section of your question. I’m very interested in how this works out for you.
If you have a credit or debt question you’d like to ask just use the online form. I’m happy to help you totally for free.