Chapter 7 Means
Test Calculator
The Chapter 7 means test is the gateway to bankruptcy relief for millions of Americans. It compares your household income to the median in your state — if you're below, you qualify to discharge most unsecured debts in 3 to 6 months. This free calculator uses the latest Census Bureau median income data and IRS expense standards so you can check eligibility in minutes.
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
Take the Chapter 7 Means Test
Enter your state, household size, and income to see whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Results are based on the most recent federal median income thresholds.
How the Chapter 7 Means Test Works
Before you use the means test
The Chapter 7 bankruptcy means test calculator starts with current monthly income, household size, and the state median income table. If income is below the state median, the case usually passes the first screen. If income is above median, the second part applies allowed expenses and secured-debt deductions to decide whether Chapter 7 is still available.
This page is designed for people comparing Chapter 7 eligibility before speaking with a bankruptcy lawyer. Use it to understand whether the case is likely below median, close to the threshold, or likely to require a deeper Form 122A-2 expense analysis.
The means test was introduced by BAPCPA in 2005 to prevent higher-income filers from abusing Chapter 7. It's a two-part calculation filed on Official Form 122A:
For Chapter 7 filing, the first screen is whether the debtor's income is less than the state's median income for the same household size. If income exceeds the median, the Department of Justice and U.S. Trustee Program standards decide which expenses are excluded from means test calculations and whether the filer can still qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge. This is the core Chapter 7 qualification step for most personal bankruptcy cases.
Think of this bankruptcy means test as a document checklist as well as a calculator. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy means test uses gross income, household income, current monthly income, household size, allowable expenses, and unsecured debt to decide whether your income is low enough to be eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you are close to the income limit, collect income and expense information before relying on any means test calculator result.
Under bankruptcy law, the means test is reported on an official bankruptcy form. A below-median filer is generally less than the median for the same state and household size, while an above-median filer must complete the longer expense calculation before the court decides whether Chapter 7 relief is presumed abusive.
- 1Calculate your Current Monthly Income (CMI).
Add up all gross income from every source for the 6 full calendar months before your filing date. Divide by 6 to get your CMI, then multiply by 12 to annualize it. This includes wages, self-employment income, rental income, pensions, unemployment, and contributions from non-filing household members.
- 2Compare to your state's median income.
The U.S. Trustee Program publishes median income thresholds by state and household size, updated twice a year using Census Bureau data. If your annualized CMI is at or below the median, you pass — no further calculations needed. This is where roughly 75% of filers stop.
- 3Deduct allowable expenses (above-median filers only).
If you're above the median, subtract IRS Local and National Standards for housing, food, clothing, transportation, and healthcare. Then subtract actual secured debt payments (mortgage, car loans), priority debts (taxes, child support), and special circumstances like ongoing medical expenses or involuntary pay cuts.
- 4Determine disposable income.
Multiply your monthly disposable income (CMI minus deductions) by 60 months. If the result is below $9,625, you pass. If it's above $16,075, you fail. Between those numbers, a further test compares the amount to 25% of your non-priority unsecured debts.
- 5File with the bankruptcy court.
The completed means test (Form 122A-1 and, if needed, 122A-2) is filed with your Chapter 7 petition. The court and U.S. Trustee review it. If the numbers show abuse, the trustee may file a motion to dismiss or convert your case to Chapter 13.
What if your income level is close?
Even if your income is above the median, you may pass after allowable expenses, secured debt, priority debt, and special circumstances. Active duty or homeland defense service, mostly non-consumer debt, and certain business debts can also make a filer exempt from the means test. If the result shows enough disposable income to repay a portion of debt, schedule a free consultation or free review with a bankruptcy attorney before assuming Chapter 13 is the only option.
What to Gather Before Using a Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator
The calculator is only as reliable as the numbers you enter. Before you test Chapter 7 eligibility, pull the six full calendar months of income before the month you would file, not the last six paychecks. Include wages, overtime, bonuses, self-employment draws, rental income, unemployment, pension income, support received, and regular household contributions.
Income records
Pay stubs, profit-and-loss statements, unemployment records, pension statements, support payments, and bank deposits for the six-month lookback period.
Allowed expense proof
Mortgage or rent, car loans, taxes, insurance, child care, health costs, domestic support, payroll deductions, and other expenses used on Form 122A-2.
Debt inventory
Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, tax debts, student loans, secured debts, co-signed debts, judgments, and collection accounts.
Asset and exemption review
Home equity, vehicles, cash, bank accounts, retirement accounts, household goods, tools, claims, and any state or federal exemption choice.
How the Means Test Calculator Maps to Official Bankruptcy Forms
The online result should line up with the structure of the official bankruptcy forms, but it does not replace them. A debtor who wants to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy starts with Form 122A-1, which annualizes current monthly income and compares it with the U.S. Trustee Program's state median income table by state and household size. If household income is below the median income, the filer usually passes the first part of the Chapter 7 means test.
If income exceeds the median, Form 122A-2 applies a more detailed Chapter 7 means test calculation. That calculation deducts allowable expenses, secured debt payments, priority tax or support obligations, and other Bankruptcy Code deductions to estimate disposable income. The bankruptcy court and U.S. Trustee review those numbers to decide whether the filer is eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or should repay creditors through Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
A bankruptcy means test result is only one part of the bankruptcy case. Before you file for bankruptcy, compare the income limit, gross income, average income, household size, unsecured debt, secured debt, creditor pressure, and exemption choices with a bankruptcy attorney. Some filers still qualify even when income is high because business debts, non-consumer debt, military service, or other exclusions can make them exempt from the means test. Others pass the means test but choose Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt settlement, or another debt relief strategy because they need to protect a car, home equity, tax refund, or other asset.
If the Chapter 7 means test calculation shows too much disposable income, it does not always mean Chapter 7 is impossible. A filer may still qualify after correcting average monthly income, documenting allowable expenses, separating business debts from consumer debts, or showing that the case is exempt from the means test. A free review can also compare the cost of Chapter 7 bankruptcy with Chapter 13, debt settlement, or another debt relief path before a petition is filed with the bankruptcy court.
1. Income screen
Use gross income from the six full months before filing to find average monthly income, then annualize it for the income limit comparison.
2. Expense deductions
If income exceeds the median, add income and expense information for Form 122A-2, including local standards and actual secured payments.
3. Case review
A bankruptcy attorney can check exclusions, business debts, creditor risks, timing, and whether debt settlement or Chapter 13 is a better path.
4. Eligibility review
Review official bankruptcy forms, disposable income, unsecured debt, creditor claims, and Chapter 7 discharge goals before deciding whether you are eligible to file.
5. Free consultation prep
Bring pay stubs, tax returns, debt notices, expense records, vehicle loans, mortgage statements, and exemption questions to a bankruptcy attorney or free consultation.
2026 State Median Income Thresholds
The U.S. Trustee Program updates median income figures twice per year using Census Bureau American Community Survey data. Below are approximate national thresholds and a sample of 10 states showing how figures vary geographically.
National Approximate Thresholds (2026)
1 Person
$62,400
2 People
$79,900
3 People
$93,800
4 People
$113,400
For households larger than 4, add approximately $9,000 per additional person. Actual figures vary by state.
| State | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,000 | $62,400 | $72,800 | $87,600 |
| California | $71,800 | $91,200 | $104,400 | $125,600 |
| Florida | $58,200 | $72,600 | $82,400 | $100,800 |
| Illinois | $62,800 | $80,400 | $95,200 | $114,400 |
| Mississippi | $46,200 | $58,800 | $68,400 | $82,000 |
| New Jersey | $73,400 | $94,600 | $110,200 | $132,800 |
| New York | $67,200 | $86,400 | $100,800 | $121,200 |
| Ohio | $56,400 | $70,200 | $82,600 | $100,400 |
| Texas | $60,400 | $76,800 | $88,600 | $108,200 |
| Washington | $72,600 | $92,800 | $108,000 | $128,400 |
Figures are approximate and based on Census Bureau ACS data as of early 2026. Verify current thresholds on the U.S. Trustee Program's website before filing.
Above-Median vs Below-Median: What Happens Next
Below Median Income
- ✓Automatic qualification for Chapter 7 — no further calculations needed
- ✓Only need to file Form 122A-1 (the shorter form)
- ✓No risk of means test dismissal by the U.S. Trustee
- ✓Discharge typically granted in 60–90 days after 341 meeting
- ✓Simpler process — less documentation, lower attorney fees
Above Median Income
- ⚠Must complete the full means test on Form 122A-2
- ⚠IRS-standard expense deductions reduce your disposable income
- ⚠Secured and priority debt payments are deductible
- ⚠Special circumstances (medical costs, military service) may apply
- ⚠If disposable income is too high, case may be converted to Chapter 13
What You Can and Cannot Discharge in Chapter 7
Chapter 7 wipes out most unsecured debts, but certain obligations survive bankruptcy by federal law. Understanding what's dischargeable helps you evaluate whether Chapter 7 is worth pursuing.
Dischargeable (Wiped Out)
- ✓Credit card debt
- ✓Medical bills
- ✓Personal loans
- ✓Utility arrearages
- ✓Past-due rent
- ✓Deficiency balances (auto, mortgage)
- ✓Business debts
- ✓Civil court judgments
Not Dischargeable (Survive Bankruptcy)
- ✗Student loans (except undue hardship)
- ✗Child support & alimony
- ✗Recent income tax debt (< 3 years)
- ✗Debts from fraud or willful injury
- ✗Criminal restitution & fines
- ✗HOA fees incurred post-filing
- ✗Government-imposed penalties
- ✗Debts not listed in your petition
Common Chapter 7 Mistakes to Avoid
These errors can derail your case, waste money, or even lead to fraud allegations:
Transferring Assets Before Filing
Moving property to a friend or family member to “protect” it is a fraudulent transfer. The bankruptcy trustee can reverse transfers made within 2 years of filing (or longer under state law), and the court may deny your entire discharge.
Running Up Credit Card Debt Before Filing
Charges over $800 to a single creditor for luxury goods within 90 days of filing are presumed non-dischargeable. Cash advances over $1,100 within 70 days face the same presumption. Courts view pre-filing spending sprees as fraud.
Filing at the Wrong Time
The means test uses 6 months of income before your filing date. If you recently lost a job or had a pay cut, waiting one or two months can push older, higher-income months out of the calculation window — potentially making the difference between passing and failing.
Forgetting to List All Debts and Assets
Bankruptcy requires full disclosure. Omitting a debt doesn't protect it — it means that debt won't be discharged. Omitting assets is perjury. The trustee will cross-reference your filings with tax returns, bank statements, and public records.
Paying Back Relatives Before Filing
Payments to family members or “insiders” totaling $600 or more within one year of filing are preferential transfers. The trustee can claw these back and redistribute the money to all creditors. Wait until after your discharge to voluntarily repay family.
How to Prepare for the Means Test
- 1Gather 6 months of income documentation.
Collect pay stubs, 1099s, bank statements, Social Security award letters, unemployment records, rental income receipts, and any other proof of income for the 6 full calendar months before your expected filing date.
- 2Document your household size.
Household size matters because it determines which median income threshold applies. Include yourself, your spouse (even if not filing jointly), and all dependents you support. Courts may require proof such as tax returns or school enrollment.
- 3Compile your monthly expenses.
If you're above the median, you'll need records of mortgage/rent payments, car payments, insurance premiums, healthcare costs, child support obligations, and tax withholdings. The IRS expense standards provide a floor, but actual secured debt payments are deducted dollar-for-dollar.
- 4Complete the required credit counseling course.
Federal law requires a credit counseling session from an approved provider within 180 days before filing. These courses take about 60–90 minutes and cost $20–$50 online. You cannot file your petition without the completion certificate.
- 5Consider timing your filing strategically.
Since the means test uses 6 months of backward-looking income, the month you file matters. If you had a high-income period (bonus, seasonal work, overtime), waiting until those months fall outside the 6-month window can lower your calculated CMI enough to pass.
- 6Consult a bankruptcy attorney.
While this calculator gives you a strong estimate, a bankruptcy attorney can identify deductions you might miss, advise on filing timing, and ensure your petition is accurate. Many offer free consultations. Attorney fees for Chapter 7 typically run $1,000–$3,500.
Free Review Before You File
A free consultation with a bankruptcy attorney can help confirm whether the calculation matches your pay stubs, tax returns, household size, secured debts, priority debts, and local expense standards. Use the calculator for a first estimate, then get a free review before you file if the result is close, if business debts are involved, or if you recently had a job loss, lawsuit, wage garnishment, foreclosure notice, or major medical bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Edited and reviewed by our editorial team. Answers are general information — not legal advice.
What is the Chapter 7 means test?
The Chapter 7 means test is a formula created by the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) that determines whether your income is low enough to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It compares your household's average monthly income over the past six months to the median income for a household of your size in your state. If you're below the median, you qualify automatically. If you're above, a second calculation using IRS-approved expense deductions determines whether you have enough disposable income to repay creditors under Chapter 13 instead.
What income counts for the means test?
The means test counts all gross income received in the six calendar months before your filing date — wages, salary, tips, overtime, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, pension and retirement distributions, unemployment compensation, workers' comp, Social Security benefits, child support received, alimony received, and income from any other source. It does NOT count Social Security retirement benefits for most courts. Income from all household members who contribute to expenses is typically included.
Can I still qualify if I'm above the median income?
Yes. Being above the median doesn't automatically disqualify you — it just triggers the second part of the means test. You subtract IRS-standard living expenses (housing, transportation, food, healthcare), actual secured debt payments (mortgage, car loan), priority debts (back taxes, child support), and certain other allowable deductions. If your remaining monthly disposable income is below $160.42 (about $9,625 over 60 months), you still pass. Many above-median filers qualify after deductions.
How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take?
A typical Chapter 7 case takes 3 to 6 months from filing to discharge. You'll file the petition and means test (Official Forms 122A-1 and 122A-2), attend a meeting of creditors (341 meeting) about 30 days later, and receive your discharge roughly 60 days after that. The entire process is faster than Chapter 13, which requires a 3- to 5-year repayment plan. However, preparation time varies — gathering 6 months of pay stubs, tax returns, and expense records can take several weeks.
Will I lose my house in Chapter 7?
Not necessarily. Every state has a homestead exemption that protects a certain amount of equity in your primary residence. If your home equity is within your state's exemption limit, you keep the house — you just need to stay current on mortgage payments. For example, Florida and Texas offer unlimited homestead exemptions, while other states protect $25,000 to $600,000. If your equity exceeds the exemption, the bankruptcy trustee could sell the home and distribute the excess to creditors, but this is relatively rare.
How much does Chapter 7 cost?
The court filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338 (as of 2026). Attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on your location and case complexity — urban areas like New York and Los Angeles tend toward the higher end. You'll also need to complete a credit counseling course ($20–$50) before filing and a debtor education course ($20–$50) before discharge. If you can't afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver (household income below 150% of federal poverty guidelines) or pay in installments.
What's the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
Chapter 7 liquidates non-exempt assets to discharge most unsecured debts in 3–6 months — it is often used by people with limited income and few assets. Chapter 13 reorganizes your debts into a 3- to 5-year court-supervised repayment plan — it's designed for people with regular income who want to keep assets (like a home in foreclosure) while catching up on payments. Chapter 7 goes on your credit report for 10 years; Chapter 13 for 7 years. The means test determines which chapter you're eligible for.
Which official bankruptcy forms use the means test calculation?
Consumer Chapter 7 filers use Official Form 122A-1 to report current monthly income and compare household income against the state median income for the correct household size. Above-median filers usually continue to Official Form 122A-2, where allowable expenses, secured debt, priority debt, and other deductions are used to calculate disposable income. These official bankruptcy forms are filed with the bankruptcy court as part of the Chapter 7 filing.
Who is exempt from the means test?
Some debtors are exempt from the means test, including disabled veterans whose debts were incurred primarily while on active duty or performing homeland defense activity, certain reservists and National Guard members, and filers whose debts are not primarily consumer debts. Business debts may be excluded from means test calculations when non-consumer debt is the majority of the total debt load. A bankruptcy attorney can confirm whether an exemption applies before you file for bankruptcy.
Does passing the means test guarantee a Chapter 7 discharge?
No. Passing the Chapter 7 means test only addresses income-based eligibility under the Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy court can still deny or delay a Chapter 7 discharge for incomplete forms, missing credit counseling, undisclosed assets, recent transfers, fraud, repeat filings, or creditor objections. Treat the means test calculator as a Chapter 7 qualification screen, not a complete legal review of your bankruptcy case.
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