What is over-collection or over-garnishment?

A situation in which amounts collected from you in enforcement proceedings exceed the actual debt — for example due to incorrect interest or linkage, double charging, collection after the debt was cleared, or garnishment of protected funds.

How much does the check cost?

The preliminary check and the refund-eligibility check are provided free of charge. If an actual refund is obtained, the attorney's fee is 25% plus VAT of the refunded amount only. No win, no fee.

How do I request a refund for funds collected in excess?

Usually through a claim of payment ("pareti") under Section 19 of the Execution Law, in which you show that the debt was paid in full or in part, and request the return of amounts collected beyond the debt.

Guide · Garnishments & over-collection

How Do I Know If I Was Over-Charged in Enforcement Proceedings?

Many people keep paying in enforcement proceedings even after their actual debt has been covered — or have funds garnished that may not be garnished at all. In this guide we explain when over-collection arises, which funds are protected, how to check for yourself, and how to file a refund request.

In brief: If the amount collected from you in enforcement proceedings is higher than the debt that actually existed — you may be entitled to a refund. You can check this for free, and the main legal procedure for it is a claim of payment ("pareti").

What counts as "over-collection" or "over-garnishment"?

Over-collection is a situation in which the amount collected from you within your enforcement case exceeds the debt you actually owed. Over-garnishment is the imposition of a garnishment on assets or funds beyond what is required to cover the debt, or on funds that the law prohibits garnishing.

When does over-collection arise? Common cases

Interest or linkage calculated in error — an incorrect calculation of default interest or linkage that inflates the debt.
Double charging — the same debt component collected twice, or payments made that were not deducted from the balance.
Collection after the debt was cleared — continued collection or garnishment even after the debt was paid in full.
Failure to record direct payments — payments made directly to the creditor that were not reported to the case.
Garnishment of protected funds — garnishment of an account or salary beyond the amounts the law protects.

Which funds may not be garnished?

Israeli law protects certain amounts in order to ensure a dignified existence. Among other things, there is protection for part of the salary, for part of the funds in the bank account, and for certain allowances and pensions. The exact amounts are updated from time to time — so it is important to check the current figures in the official sources (see links below). If protected funds were garnished from you, you may be entitled to a refund and to cancellation of the garnishment.

How to check for yourself — step by step

Obtain a case statement from the Enforcement and Collection Authority with a breakdown of the debt, interest, and payments.
Compare the original debt balance against all amounts actually collected and paid.
Check the interest and linkage components — whether they were calculated lawfully.
Locate payments that were not deducted or double charges.
Check whether protected funds were garnished (salary/allowances/protected amount in the account).

Shortcut: Our garnishment-check calculator does this comparison for you within a minute — you enter the debt balance and the amount collected, and receive a preliminary screening of whether over-collection may have occurred. To start the free check →

What to do if you discovered over-collection?

The main procedure is filing a claim of payment ("pareti") under Section 19 of the Execution Law. In this request the debtor argues that the debt was paid — in full or in part — and asks the court to order the return of amounts collected beyond the debt and to stop further collection. In appropriate cases, one may also request cancellation of the garnishment on protected funds and their return.

The procedure requires precision in presenting the documents and calculations, so it is advisable to seek the help of an attorney who specializes in enforcement proceedings.

Were you charged too much? Let's check — for free

A garnishment and refund-eligibility check at no cost and with no obligation. If you are entitled to a refund, we handle the filing — and a success fee of 25% + VAT is paid only from the amount actually refunded. No win, no fee.

Start a free check

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to receive a refund?

It varies according to the complexity of the case and the need for a hearing before the Registrar of the Enforcement and Collection Authority. Some requests are closed relatively quickly, and others require clarification.

Does the check on the website constitute legal advice?

No. The tool performs only a preliminary screening based on official public databases; it does not determine eligibility and does not guarantee an outcome. A tailored answer is reviewed by an attorney before any action.

How much does it cost me?

The check is free. The attorney's fee — 25% + VAT — is paid only if and when an actual refund is obtained, subject to a signed fee agreement.

More guides:‹ Bank account garnishment — what is protected and how to cancel it ‹ Salary garnishment — how much may be garnished ‹ Claim of payment ("pareti") — a complete guide

Official sources

Assets and funds that may not be garnished in enforcement — Kol-Zchut Wages that may not be garnished or pledged — Kol-Zchut Debtor's claim of payment ("pareti") in enforcement — Kol-Zchut Enforcement and Collection Authority — gov.il

This guide is general information only, based on official public sources and databases, and does not constitute legal advice, an opinion, or a substitute for individual consultation with an attorney. It may not be relied upon as the sole basis for action. The amounts and rules are updated from time to time. Use of the website does not create an attorney-client relationship. It is the reader's responsibility to seek professional advice before taking any step.