Your income plays a large role as to whether you can pass the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means test. The means test looks at your "current monthly income" (CMI), which is the average monthly income you received during the six-months before you filed for bankruptcy. You then compare your income to the median income for the same size family in your state. For the means test, you'll have to know what types of income must be included, how to compare your income to the state median income, and how to determine your household size.
To learn more about the means test, visit our Bankruptcy Means Test topic page.
Current Monthly Income for the Bankruptcy Means Test
Learn what current monthly income (CMI) is for the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means test.
Chapter 7 Means Test: Comparing Your Income to the State Median Income
When you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must compare your family income to the median income in your state for the same household size.
Household Size and the Chapter 7 Means Test
Find out who is included in your household for purposes of the means test.
Is Social Security Income Counted in the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test?
Are Social Security and unemployment income counted in the bankruptcy means test?
Are Veterans Benefits Income Under the Chapter 7 Means Test?
You must include veterans' benefits as income under the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means test.
Do I need to include my spouse's income on my bankruptcy petition although I'm filing without her?
If you file for bankruptcy without your spouse, you still must include your spouse's income on your bankruptcy forms.