Oregon Debt Collection Laws
How long a creditor can sue you in Oregon, how much of your paycheck is protected, and where to get help.
Oregon debt rules at a glance
The key numbers. Details and the exact law are below.
How long can a creditor sue you in Oregon?
6 years for contract debts
An action on a contract or liability, express or implied, must be started within six years, with some exceptions for specific contract types.
How much of your paycheck can be garnished?
75% protected, with a weekly floor
Oregon exempts 75% of your disposable earnings. Garnishment also cannot leave you with less than $254 for a week ($509 for two weeks, $545 for a half month, $1,090 for a month).
What debt collectors can't do in Oregon
Federal debt collection rules
Debt collectors everywhere must follow the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the CFPB's Regulation F. A collector may not sue or threaten to sue you on a debt that is past the time limit.
Collectors can't sue on expired debt
Under the federal debt collection rule (Regulation F), a debt collector must not bring or threaten to bring a lawsuit to collect a time-barred debt, meaning a debt whose statute of limitations has run out.
When a debt collector contacts you
A practical order of operations.
Don't pay or promise anything on the first call
Ask for the collector's name, company, mailing address and the amount they claim. In some states a payment or promise can affect an old debt, so check the rules above first.
Ask for validation in writing
Federal law gives you the right to a validation notice listing the debt, the creditor and your right to dispute. Dispute in writing within the validation period if the debt isn't yours or the amount is wrong.
Check the date of your last payment
Compare it with your state's time limit above. If the time limit has passed, a collector may not sue or threaten to sue you.
Never ignore a lawsuit
If you are served with court papers, respond by the deadline, even on an old debt. Being out of time is usually a defense you have to raise in court. Legal aid can help.
Report abuse
Threats, harassment and calls at odd hours break federal and state law. File complaints with your state regulator and the CFPB (links below).
Free help in Oregon
Government complaint lines and nonprofit counseling. Be wary of anyone who charges upfront fees to settle debt.
Oregon Department of Justice
File a consumer complaint: justice.oregon.gov
CFPB complaint
File a complaint about a debt collector with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Nonprofit credit counseling
Find an NFCC member agency: NFCC agency finder. If you are considering bankruptcy, use an agency on the U.S. Trustee approved list.
Links checked September 24, 2026.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these laws and official resources, checked on September 24, 2026. Read the current text before you act.
Primary sources
Debt collection laws in other states →
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