Attachment of Earnings Orders(AEO)

An Attachment of Earnings Order (AEO) is a legal document issued by a court in the UK that requires an employer to deduct a certain amount from an employee’s wages each pay period and pay the amount to an individual or organisation that is owed a debt. This type of order is typically used to help housing providers recover unpaid rent arrears. The purpose of an AEO is to ensure that tenants are able to pay their housing arrears in a manageable way, while still being able to meet their other financial commitments. The scope of an AEO is limited to rent arrears, and it is up to the court to decide if an AEO is appropriate and what amount should be deducted. An AEO will last for a period of up to 12 months and can be extended if necessary. The employer must comply with the order and deduct the agreed amount each pay period until the debt is paid in full.