Pennsylvania Debt Collection Laws
How long a creditor can sue you in Pennsylvania, why your wages are protected from most debt garnishment, and where to get help.
Pennsylvania debt rules at a glance
The key numbers. Details and the exact law are below.
How long can a creditor sue you in Pennsylvania?
4 years for written and oral debts
Pennsylvania gives four years to sue on a note or similar written instrument, on other contracts founded on a writing, and on express contracts that are not in writing.
How much of your paycheck can be garnished?
Wages are protected from most debts
In Pennsylvania, wages, salaries and commissions held by an employer are exempt from attachment except in listed cases, including divorce, support, board for four weeks or less, and residential landlord judgments. Ordinary credit card and medical debts are not on the list.
What debt collectors can't do in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act
Pennsylvania's own debt collection law covers both debt collectors and creditors.
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 Pennsylvania
Government complaint lines and nonprofit counseling. Be wary of anyone who charges upfront fees to settle debt.
Pennsylvania Attorney General
File a consumer complaint: attorneygeneral.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
- 42 Pa.C.S. 5525 - four-year limit (Justia mirror of PA law)
- 42 Pa.C.S. 8127 - wage exemption (Justia mirror of PA law)
- PA Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act (Act 7 of 2000)
- PA Attorney General - consumer complaint
- 12 CFR 1006.26 - Collection of time-barred debts (Regulation F)
- 15 U.S.C. 1673 - Federal limit on wage garnishment
- CFPB - Debt collection help
- FTC - Debt collection FAQs
Debt collection laws in other states →
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