The Bankruptcy Means Test
Although Chapter 7 is the most popular type of bankruptcy for consumers, not everyone is eligible to receive Chapter 7 relief. The biggest barrier to qualify for Chapter 7 relief is the means test. The means test looks at your income and expenses and kicks you out of Chapter 7 if the numbers don't fit within certain guidelines.
(There are other qualification requirements for Chapter 7. Visit our Eligibility for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy topic area to learn about them.)
Discover whether you're eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy by learning about the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means test. We explain the two-step calculation process used to determine Chapter 7 bankruptcy qualification.
Find out who is included in your household for purposes of the means test.
The lengthy means test form can be complicated to complete. Learn about the most common errors and whether you can avoid taking the test.
Find out if a debt is considered to be consumer or non-consumer (business) for purposes of the bankruptcy means test.
Find out who is included in your household for purposes of the means test.
Learn about the means test and veteran bankruptcies, including whether disabled veterans are exempt from the means test and whether veterans' benefits count as income for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
If you file for bankruptcy without your spouse, you still must include your spouse's income on your bankruptcy forms.
Are Social Security and unemployment income counted in the bankruptcy means test?
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