As we are dealing with these unprecedented and trying times, many people are being faced with great financial uncertainty. In this edition of our guide for consumers struggling with financial security due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are looking at what you need to know about protecting your stimulus check and wages from garnishment.
Thanks to the Federal CARES Act, many Illinoisans have received a stimulus payment(s) either electronically or through the mail that is designed to help them out financially as they deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, the state of Illinois has decided to suspend wage deductions as well as new garnishments at this time.
Normally, if a creditor has a judgment against an individual, that creditor is allowed to go to court and ask the court to take money out of said individual’s paycheck and/or bank account. However, as of April 14, Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued an executive order that prohibits any creditors from bringing up new requests to the court in seeking to garnish one’s wages or assets.