Direct earnings arrangement housing benefit

OhYouPrettyThings

Feeling very stressed tonight. I have messed up. Years ago we received housing benefit which we now know was overpaid. I think we owe about £2300. Anyway, I set up a payment of 50 pounds a month which was fine, but we have been massively struggling (like many) with costs. Couple of months ago I cancelled the direct debit as we had a huge car bill (I need the car for work, no other options) and had no money. My bank charges for direct debits so I canceled thinking I would ring up and sort.

I received a letter advising I had 2 weeks to ring (this arrived late in itself due to post I think). In all honesty, I am so exhausted, stressed with a very busy job and struggling with my mental health I forgot. I emailed today and they replied saying they have sent a direct earnings attachment to my employer last month. I have read this is usually 15-20% but can be 40% of net earnings. I just can't afford this. I am so angry at myself and upset I let this slip.

Does anyone know if there is anything I can do to lower the payments? 

Thank you

elsien

The amount they take is based on your earnings.
if you scroll down this link, the council tax amounts are towards the end.
https://moneynerd.co.uk/attachment-of-earnings-rates/

OhYouPrettyThings

Thank you, do you know if there is anyway I can appeal a lower amount? 

fatbelly

This is not a CTAOE.

This is a DEA.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/direct-earnings-attachments-an-employers-guide

Yes,you can ask. Probably won't get anywhere.

You may want to ask advice from an impartial agency and/or post up a statement of affairs for us to have a look at