Attachment of earnings taking too much money? How much can they take?
At a glance
- For a county court order, the court sets a fixed amount plus a 'protected earnings rate' you must be left with.
- For council tax, the employer takes a percentage of your take-home pay set by law — the more you earn, the higher the percentage.
- If overtime, a bonus or a change of job means too much is being taken, ask for it to be looked at again.
- Your employer must not dismiss you just because you have an attachment of earnings order.
Check your payslip
- Compare the deduction with the order letter you or your employer received.
- Check whether more than one order is being taken at once.
- Keep three months of payslips and bills as evidence.
Getting it changed
- County court debts: apply to vary the order using form N244.
- Council tax: speak to the council — it can agree a different arrangement or stop the order if you set up a plan.
- Child maintenance and fines have their own rules — ask for free help.
Will my employer sack me?
- Your employer has to follow the order and keep it confidential.
- Dismissing you only because of the order may be unfair — Acas can explain your rights.
Common questions
- How much can attachment of earnings take?
- It depends on the debt. Court orders leave you a protected earnings rate. Council tax orders take a set percentage of take-home pay, on a sliding scale.
- Is an attachment of earnings a CCJ?
- Not exactly. A county court order usually follows a CCJ you have not paid, but a council tax order follows a liability order instead.
- Can I stop an attachment of earnings for council tax?
- Sometimes. Councils can agree to stop it if you set up and keep to a payment plan. Ask them directly.
Useful links
Want to talk it through? It's free and confidential.