Chapter 7 Eligibility
The Means Test: Do You Qualify for Chapter 7?
Chapter 7 has income limits. The means test compares your average monthly income over the past 6 months to your state's median income. Here's how it works — and a rough estimator to help you think it through.
How the Means Test Works
The means test uses your average monthly income over the 6 months before filing — multiplied by 12 — and compares it to your state's median annual income for a household of your size. If you're below the median, you automatically pass and can proceed with Chapter 7. If you're above, a second calculation looks at your allowable expenses to determine if you have enough “disposable income” to repay some debts.
The official means test form is Official Form 122A-1. It's available free from the U.S. Courts website. The calculation is detailed and uses IRS national and local expense standards — which is one reason many people benefit from attorney help even for Chapter 7.
Means Test Estimator
A rough, educational estimate — not a means test calculation.
Select your state and enter an annual income to see a rough estimate.
This is a rough estimate using simplified data. The official means test uses your actual 6-month average income and IRS expense standards. Consult an attorney or use official Form 122A-1 for an accurate calculation.
Your entries stay in your browser and are never saved or sent anywhere.