Independent guide

WA3 on a pay stub: Employer-defined wage attachment code

WA3 can be another wage-attachment code. A historical reference to gross earnings does not override the earnings definition required by the governing law or…

Last updated September 13, 2026

Browse garnishments, support orders and wage levies.

WA3 can be another wage-attachment code. A historical reference to gross earnings does not override the earnings definition required by the governing law or order.

Employer-specific label: this is a possible interpretation. Confirm the full meaning in the codebook for the employer that issued your statement.

How to read this entry

Use the possible interpretation Employer-defined wage attachment code alongside the column heading. An earnings amount, an employee deduction and an employer-cost memo can have different effects even when their labels look similar.

Example on a pay statement

A system description mentioning gross pay should be checked against the actual protected-earnings calculation before applying any percentage.

Examples illustrate the checking method. They are not a personal tax calculation or a promise of a particular benefit.

What to check with payroll

Get the legal basis, earnings base and priority calculation from payroll.

Compare related entries

Read the garnishments, support orders and wage levies guide to compare the entries in this part of your statement. Use the full pay stub code directory when a second abbreviation is unfamiliar.

Reference and scope

Official guidance on garnishments, support orders and wage levies provides background on the underlying rules. It does not validate an individual employer’s internal abbreviation.