The Chapter 13 Repayment Plan

The Chapter 13 Repayment Plan

Learn which debts you must pay back when you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

The Confirmation Hearing

In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, your repayment plan must be confirmed before it is permanent. Here's how the confirmation hearing works.

Debts That Must Be Paid in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Payments on retirement account loans are allowable expenses in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

"Best Effort" Requirement in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Disposable Income Test

In order to be confirmed (approved) by the court, your Chapter 13 repayment plan must represent your "best effort" at paying back your nonpriority unsecured creditors.

Unsecured Debt in Chapter 13: How Much Must You Pay?

How much you must pay to your general unsecured creditors in Chapter 13 bankruptcy depends on your disposable income and the "best interest of creditors" test.

How Long Will My Chapter 13 Plan Last?

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy you must propose and then stick with a repayment plan that repays some creditors in full and others in part (sometimes pennies on the dollar).

Inheritances and Cash Gifts in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

If you receive an inheritance or cash gift while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy you may be required to amend your repayment plan and increase what you pay to unsecured creditors.

Can I Pay Off My Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan Early?

In most Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases, you cannot finish your Chapter 13 plan early unless you pay creditors in full.

Options if You Can't Make Your Chapter 13 Plan Payments

Here’s what you can do if you can’t make your Chapter 13 plan payments or you need to suspend your payments for a few months.

Getting a Chapter 13 Hardship Discharge

If you cannot complete your Chapter 13 repayment plan, you can file a motion with the bankruptcy court asking for a hardship discharge.  

Converting Your Bankruptcy Case From Chapter 13 to Chapter 7

In cases where you can no longer maintain your Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan payments, your case can be converted to a Chapter 7 and your debts discharged.

Modifying Your Chapter 13 Plan Payment

You usually must remain in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan for at least three to five years before you can receive a discharge.   However, if you can no longer afford your Chapter 13 plan payments, all is not lost.

What Happens to Chapter 13 Plan Funds—and Other Property—if I Convert to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you make regular payments to a trustee, who then disburses the funds to your creditors.

Can I Make 401(k) Contributions During My Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Whether you can make 401(k) or other voluntary retirement contributions during Chapter 13 bankruptcy depends on your bankruptcy court and your individual situation.

How a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Zero Percent Plan Can Save Your Home and Car

Instead of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, save your home and car—and wipe out other bills—by filing a Chapter 13 zero percent plan.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Keep Your Property & Repay Debts Over Time

This comprehensive guide explains the Chapter 13 process, from start to finish.

The New Bankruptcy: Will It Work for You?

Is bankruptcy the right solution for your overwhelming debts? Pick the best strategies for your situation with the information and practical suggestions in this book by best-selling author Stephen Elias.