Raising the P-account exemption: protect more money despite an account garnishment

A seizure-protection account (P-account) protects a monthly basic amount from garnishment. If you have maintenance obligations, children in your household or certain social benefits, you are entitled to a higher exemption. For that you need a certificate that you present to the bank.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Beyond the basic exemption, the seizure-free amount of your P-account increases for each person entitled to maintenance and for certain benefits (e.g. child benefit, social benefits), to be proven with a P-account certificate (§ 850k ZPO).

The certificate is issued by, among others, debt counseling centers, social benefit providers, employers or lawyers. With it, the bank must take the increased exemption into account.

What you should do now

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1. Set up a P-account
If you have not done so yet, have your checking account converted into a P-account, this is possible at any time.
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2. Gather grounds for an increase
Maintenance obligations, children in the household, child benefit or social benefits increase the exemption.
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3. Obtain a certificate
Have a P-account certificate issued (e.g. by debt counseling, the social welfare office, the employer).
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4. Present it to the bank
Submit the certificate to your bank, it must take the increased exemption into account.

How to spot the scam

Only the basic exemption is protected, although you have children or receive social benefits.
The bank ignores a submitted certificate.
Unused balance is not carried over into the following month (saving up is possible).

Frequently asked questions

How do I raise the P-account exemption?

By submitting a P-account certificate that shows your maintenance obligations, children in the household or certain benefits (e.g. child benefit, social benefits). The bank must then take the increased seizure-free amount into account (§ 850k ZPO).

Who issues the certificate?

Among others, recognized debt counseling centers, social benefit providers, family benefit offices, employers, tax advisors and lawyers. At many places the certificate is free, ask at the debt counseling center.

What happens to unused balance?

Unused protected balance can be carried over into the following months to a limited extent (saving option). This way protected money is not lost if you do not spend it in one month.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.