Direct Earnings Attachments
We may ask employers to deduct any Housing Benefit overpayments an employee owes us from their pay. This is called a Direct Earnings Attachment.
Advice for employees
A Direct Earnings Attachment may be considered if you haven't paid your overpayment or set up a payment plan with us.
Received a letter from us?
If you've received a letter from us about a Direct Earnings Attachment and want to stop your overpayment being deducted from your wages, please complete our online form to set up your payment plan »
If you don't set up a payment plan or make payment in full, we will write to your employer and ask them to make a deduction from your wages.
Current deduction rates
Weekly net earnings direct earnings attachment rates
| Weekly net earnings | % of weekly net earnings |
|---|
| £100 to £160 |
3% |
| £160 to £220 |
5% |
| £220 to £270 |
7% |
| £270 to £375 |
11% |
| £375 to £520 |
15% |
| More than £520 |
20% |
Monthly net earnings direct earnings attachment rates
| Monthly net earnings | % of monthly net earnings |
|---|
| £430 to £690 |
3% |
| £690 to £950 |
5% |
| £950 to £1,160 |
7% |
| £1,160 to £1,615 |
11% |
| £1,615 to £2,240 |
15% |
| More than £520 |
20% |
Where earnings are less than £100 weekly or £430 monthly, the minimum deduction is £10 per week.
Advice for employers
If an employee is affected, we will write to their employer and ask them to operate the scheme.
You don't have to operate a DEA if:
- you started your business between 8 April 2013 and 31 March 2014
- you have fewer than 10 employees
The employers guide provides advice on what an employer needs to do if they are asked to carry out a Direct Earnings Attachment.