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Money is being taken from my wages
Deductions from your wages or benefits can leave you short for essentials. There are often ways to challenge or reduce them.
What to do right now
- 1Check your payslip or benefit statement to see how much is being taken and who for.
- 2Find any letters from the court, council or DWP about the deduction.
- 3Don't stop paying priority bills like rent and council tax to cover the shortfall.
- 4Call us on 01872 859 515 so we can look at whether the amount can be reduced.
Why money may be taken
- An Attachment of Earnings order from the court, usually after a CCJ you couldn't keep up with.
- Council tax arrears — the council can ask your employer or the DWP to take money directly.
- Benefit overpayments, advances or third-party deductions from Universal Credit.
What you can do
- You can ask the court to vary an Attachment of Earnings order if the amount is more than you can afford.
- You can ask the DWP to reduce Universal Credit deductions if they're causing hardship.
- Your employer can take a small admin fee, but must leave you with your protected earnings amount.
Useful contacts
These organisations are independent of Hand in Hand Foundation. Details can change, so check their websites.
Your next steps
- Collect three months of payslips or benefit statements.
- List your household bills so we can show what you need to live on.
- Ask an adviser to help you apply for a reduction.
This page is general guidance for England and Wales, not legal advice. Talk to an adviser about your own situation.