Postjudgment Interest: How Much Your Unpaid Judgment Is Really Worth

A small claims judgment doesn't sit still while it's unpaid — it earns interest, by law, from the day it's entered until it's satisfied. That means a debtor who stalls doesn't save money by waiting; they owe more the longer they wait. How much more depends entirely on your state.

1. The rate is set by statute, and it varies a lot

Among the states this site covers, the standard rate runs from 4.5% in New Jersey up to 12% in Washington, with California (10%), New York (9%), North Carolina (8%), Florida (8.06%), and Pennsylvania (6%) in between. This is simple interest — principal times rate times time — in every one of these states.

2. Some states cut the rate for certain kinds of debt

California drops its rate from 10% to 5% for an ordinary personal debt judgment under $50,000 — money one individual owes another for personal, family, or household reasons — which covers most small claims judgments, though not a tort or unpaid-wage judgment. New York cuts its rate to 2% for a consumer debt judgment against an individual defendant, but not against a business. Check whether your judgment qualifies for a reduced rate before assuming the standard figure applies.

3. A few rates move on their own schedule

Florida's rate is set quarterly by the state's Chief Financial Officer, not fixed by statute — it can be a different number next quarter than it is today. New Jersey's rate is republished every January. If your judgment has been unpaid across a rate change, the calculation isn't as simple as one flat percentage for the whole period — check the current rate rather than relying on a figure that might already be stale.

4. Waiting to collect doesn't cost you the accrued interest

Interest keeps accruing whether or not you're actively trying to collect, so a delay in pursuing wage garnishment or a bank levy doesn't shrink what you're owed — see The Debtor Won't Pay: How to Collect a Small Claims Judgment for the collection tools available once you're ready to use them.

See exactly how much interest has accrued on your judgment so far, and what the running total is, with the Judgment Interest Calculator.