The WG-006 is California’s Claim of Exemption form. If your wages are being garnished and the withholding is preventing you from meeting your basic living expenses, filing the WG-006 is how you ask a court to reduce or stop the garnishment. You typically have 10 days from receiving the WG-003 notice to file it.
If your employer just told you that a portion of your paycheck is being withheld, you are not out of options. California law gives you the right to fight back — but only if you act fast. The WG-006 is the form that starts that process.
This guide explains what the WG-006 is, who qualifies to file it, how to fill it out, what happens after you file, and what to do if you miss the deadline. This guide covers California law specifically. If you are outside California, the process and limits are different — laws vary by state.
What Is the WG-006?
The WG-006 is the Claim of Exemption form used in California wage garnishment proceedings. When a creditor serves your employer with an Earnings Withholding Order (form EJ-160), your employer is required to give you a copy of the EJ-160 and a form called the WG-003. The WG-003 explains your rights and tells you that you can file a WG-006 to contest the garnishment.
Filing the WG-006 does not automatically stop the garnishment. It triggers a court hearing where a judge decides whether to reduce or eliminate the withholding based on your financial situation.
Who Can File a WG-006?
Under CCP § 706.051, you can file a Claim of Exemption if the garnishment would leave you unable to provide for yourself or your family’s basic needs — things like rent, food, utilities, and transportation to work. The standard is financial hardship, not just inconvenience.
You do not have to prove you are completely broke. You have to show that after the garnishment, you cannot cover necessities. A judge will look at your income, your expenses, and the number of people depending on you.
The Deadline Is Short
This is the most important thing in this article. Under California law, you have very little time to file the WG-006 after receiving the WG-003 notice — typically 10 days. If you miss that window, you lose the right to contest the garnishment amount through this process.
Warning: The 10-day deadline runs from the date you receive the WG-003, not the date garnishment starts. Do not wait to see your first reduced paycheck before acting. By then it may be too late.
How to Fill Out the WG-006
The WG-006 asks you to provide:
Your personal information and the court case number from the EJ-160 or WG-003 you received.
Your monthly income from all sources — wages, benefits, rental income, anything coming in.
Your monthly expenses — rent or mortgage, utilities, food, clothing, medical costs, transportation, childcare, and any other necessary costs.
The number of people in your household who depend on your income.
The form then asks you to state the amount you believe you can afford to have withheld, if anything. You can request a full exemption — zero garnishment — if the numbers support it.
Be accurate and complete. Judges see these forms regularly. Understating income or overstating expenses will hurt your credibility at the hearing.
Where to File the WG-006
File the WG-006 with the clerk of the court that issued the original judgment. The court information is on the EJ-160 or the WG-003 you received. Bring or mail the original plus copies — one for the court, one for the creditor, and one for yourself.
After you file, the court will schedule a hearing. The creditor has the right to file a WG-009 opposing your claim. If they do not oppose it, the court may grant your exemption without a hearing.
What Happens at the Hearing
The hearing is typically brief. You will explain your financial situation to a judge. The creditor or their attorney may appear to argue against the exemption. The judge will review your WG-006, consider the evidence, and issue a ruling.
Possible outcomes include a full exemption — garnishment stops entirely — a reduced garnishment below the statutory maximum, or denial of the exemption if the judge finds you can afford the withholding.
Bring documentation to the hearing. Pay stubs, bank statements, utility bills, rent receipts, and medical bills all support your claim. The more concrete your evidence, the stronger your position.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the 10-day window does not mean you have no options — it means you cannot use the WG-006 process for this garnishment. You may still be able to negotiate directly with the creditor to reduce or release the garnishment voluntarily. You can also explore whether bankruptcy is appropriate for your situation.
Filing for bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362, which stops wage garnishment immediately regardless of where you are in the garnishment process — even if you have already missed the WG-006 deadline. If you want to understand whether bankruptcy could stop your garnishment and discharge the underlying debt, request a consult with a bankruptcy attorney before your next paycheck is withheld.
How the WG-006 Relates to Other Garnishment Forms
Understanding where the WG-006 fits in the process helps. The creditor first obtains a Writ of Execution (EJ-130), then serves your employer with an Earnings Withholding Order (EJ-160). Your employer gives you the WG-003 notice. The WG-006 is your response to that notice. If you are still unclear on how the garnishment started, see our guide on California wage garnishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does filing the WG-006 stop garnishment immediately?
No. Filing the WG-006 does not automatically pause withholding. Garnishment continues until the court rules in your favor. If you need immediate relief, bankruptcy’s automatic stay is the only tool that stops garnishment the day you file.
Can I file the WG-006 more than once?
You can file a new Claim of Exemption if your financial circumstances change significantly after a prior denial. A job loss, medical emergency, or other major change in income or expenses can support a new filing.
What if the creditor is a government agency?
Some government debts — including certain tax debts and student loans — have different garnishment rules and exemption procedures. The WG-006 process applies primarily to consumer debt judgments from private creditors. If a government agency is garnishing your wages, the rules may be different.
Can I file the WG-006 myself without an attorney?
Yes. The form is available free from the California Courts website. However, if the creditor opposes your claim and sends an attorney to the hearing, having legal guidance improves your odds significantly.
What is the WG-003?
The WG-003 is the notice your employer is required to give you when they receive an EJ-160. It explains that your wages are being garnished, how much is being withheld, and your right to file a WG-006 Claim of Exemption. The 10-day deadline runs from the date on the WG-003.
If garnishment has already started and filing the WG-006 is not enough — or if you missed the deadline — bankruptcy may be your fastest path to relief. You can request a consult with a bankruptcy attorney at Lawyers for the Little Guys to understand your options before your next paycheck is withheld.