In District of Columbia, you may choose
to use the federal
exemption set instead of your state exemptions.
|
ASSET
|
EXEMPTION DESCRIPTION
|
LAW SECTION
|
|
HOMESTEAD
|
NONE, however, property held as tenancy by the entirety may be exempt
against debts owed by only one spouse
|
Estate of Wall,440 F.2d 215
(D.C. Cir. 1971)
|
|
INSURANCE
|
Disability benefits
|
35-522
|
| |
Fraternal benefit society benefits
|
35-1211
|
| |
Group life insurance policy or proceeds
|
35-523
|
| |
Life insurance proceeds if clause prohibits proceeds from being used
to pay beneficiary’s creditors
|
35-525
|
| |
Life insurance proceeds or avails
|
35-521
|
| |
Other insurance proceeds to $200 per month, maximum 2 months, for
head of family; else $60 per month
|
15-503
|
|
MISC.
|
Property of business partnership
|
41-124
|
|
PENSIONS (also see wages)
|
Judges
|
11-1570(d)
|
|
Public School Teachers
|
31-1217; 31-1238
|
|
PERSONAL PROPERTY
|
Beds, bedding, radios, cooking utensils, stoves, furniture,
furnishings and sewing machines to $300 total
|
15-501(a)(2)
|
| |
Books to $400
|
15-501(a)(8)
|
| |
Clothing to $300
|
15-501(a)(1), 15-503(b)
|
| |
Cooperative association holdings to $50
|
29-1128
|
| |
Family pictures
|
15-501(a)(8)
|
| |
Food and fuel to 3 months
|
15-501(a)(3), (4)
|
| |
Residential condominium deposit
|
45-1869
|
|
PUBLIC BENEFITS
|
Aid to blind, aged, disabled, AFDC, general assistance
|
3-215.1
|
| |
Crime victims’ compensation
|
3-407
|
| |
Unemployment compensation
|
46-119
|
| |
Workers’ compensation
|
36-317
|
|
TOOLS OF TRADE
|
Library, furniture, tools of professional or artist to $300
|
15-501(a)(6)
|
| |
Mechanic’s tools; tools of trade or business to $200
|
15-501(a)(5), 15-503(b)
|
| |
Motor vehicle, cart, wagon or dray, and horse or mule harness to $500
|
15-501(a)(7)
|
| |
Seal and documents of notary public
|
1-806
|
| |
Stock and materials to $200
|
15-501(a)(5)
|
|
WAGES
|
Minimum 75% of earned but unpaid wages, pension payments; bankruptcy
judge may authorize more for low-income debtors
|
16-572
|
| |
Non-wage (including pension) earnings for 60 days to $200 per month
for head of family; else $60 per month
|
15-503
|
