What is the purpose of a wage garnishment?

The purpose of a wage garnishment is primarily to collect unpaid debts. This legal procedure allows a creditor to obtain a portion of an employee's earnings directly from the employer to satisfy outstanding obligations, such as loans, child support, or other financial debts. When implemented, it ensures that the creditor receives payment directly from the income of the debtor, which can effectively lead to the repayment of the debt over time without the need for the debtor to take any additional action. This mechanism is particularly important in situations where a debtor may be unwilling or unable to pay their debts voluntarily, thus providing creditors with a means of ensuring that they receive owed amounts.

The other options, such as rewarding employees, managing employee benefits, or providing bonuses, do not align with the concept of wage garnishment, which is specifically a tool for debt recovery rather than a method for enhancing employee compensation or benefits.