Attachment of earnings order (AEO)

What is an Attachment of Earnings Order?

If you fall behind on a debt, a court might issue an Attachment of Earnings Order. This meanss money is taken straight from your wages to pay what you owe.

How does an Attachment of Earnings work?

When a creditor applies for this Order, you’ll get a form called an N56 in the post. You must fill this out and send it back to the court within eight days.

The form asks for details about your income, your spending and your employer. You can also use this form to offer a payment plan that you can actually afford. It’s an offence to ignore this form.

Will I have to pay?

The court looks at what you need to live on. They’ll look at your income, and its sources to make sure you have enough of your money for essentials like food, housing and bills. If your take-home pay is too low, they won’t make the Order.

You also can’t get this Order if you’re self-employed, unemployed or in the Armed Forces.

Will my employer find out?

Yes, your employer will be told because they have to take the money from your wages. They might also charge a £1 fee each time to cover their admin costs.

You should check your employment contract. Some jobs have strict rules about court orders. If you think you might lose your job because of the Order, you can ask the court to suspend it when you fill out your N56 form.

What happens if I ignore the form?

You mustn’t ignore the N56 form. If you don’t reply, the court can send a bailiff to your home to deliver the form by hand. If you still ignore it, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest. You could even be sent to prison for up to 14 days.

Can I combine multiple Orders?

If you have more than one County Court Judgment (CCJ), you can ask for a Consolidated Attachment of Earnings Order. This lets your employer take one single monthly payment to cover all your debts. The court then shares this money between the people you owe.

What if I change jobs or can’t afford it?

If you leave your job, the payments stop but your debt doesn’t go away. You must tell the court as soon as you get a new job.

If your situation changes and you can’t afford the payments anymore, you can ask the court to lower the amount. You’ll need to show them why your spending has changed.

Need help with an Attachment of Earnings Order?

Get free, confidential advice online or call 0800 316 1833 to speak to one of our experts. We will assist you in understanding your options and finding a path forward that works best for you.