{"id":286908,"date":"2016-04-04T10:41:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7\/the-bankruptcy-means-test.html"},"modified":"2026-07-08T13:14:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T18:14:51","slug":"the-bankruptcy-means-test","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/chapter-7\/the-bankruptcy-means-test.html","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test Calculator & Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test Calculator & Guide<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The\u00a0Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/span> means test<\/span>\u00a0is a two-step income evaluation that determines whether you qualify to\u00a0file <\/span>Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/span>. The test compares your average income from the past six months to your\u00a0state’s <\/span>median income<\/span>\u00a0for your\u00a0household size<\/span>. If your income is at or below the median, you typically pass and can file Chapter 7 to discharge your debts.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t automatically guarantee a discharge of your debts. Under federal bankruptcy laws<\/span>, you must meet specific requirements to stay in a Chapter 7 case and receive a discharge. One critical requirement is that you complete the Chapter 7 means test<\/span>. If you don’t meet the means test requirements, it can lead to dismissal of the case or, with your consent, conversion to Chapter 13.<\/p>\n

The means test separates people who need\u00a0debt relief<\/span>\u00a0from those who have enough income to repay creditors through a Chapter 13 repayment plan. It provides the trustee with a standard framework for reviewing your financial situation.<\/p>\n

This page includes a calculator to help you estimate your eligibility<\/span>. It also explains how the means test works and what your results mean.<\/p>\n

If you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, consider seeking legal advice<\/span> from a\u00a0bankruptcy attorney<\/span><\/a>. They can walk you through your options and guide you through each step of the bankruptcy process.<\/p>\n

Chapter 7 <\/span>Means Test<\/span> Calculator<\/span><\/h2>\n

Use this calculator to quickly estimate whether you pass Step 1 of the Chapter 7 means test<\/span> based on your\u00a0state’s <\/span>median <\/span>income<\/span> limit<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Note: These thresholds apply to cases filed on or after July 15, 2026. The U.S. Trustee Program<\/span>‘s median income<\/span> amounts cover households of one to four people, then add a set amount for each additional household member.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator<\/h3>\n

Estimate your eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy<\/p>\n \n

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