Means Test Pre-Qualifier
Find out if you likely qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on your state's income guidelines.
Disclaimer: This is a simplified pre-screening tool for educational purposes only. It compares your annual gross income to your state's median. The actual Means Test is more complex and includes deductions. An attorney can give you a definitive answer.
Median income data from the U.S. Census Bureau via the U.S. Trustee Program (DOJ), effective May 15, 2025. For households over 4 people, $11,100 is added per additional person.
Include yourself, your spouse, and any dependents.
Enter your total annual household income from all sources before taxes. If you're unsure, use your last tax return or multiply your monthly gross pay by 12.
These benefits are typically excluded from the Means Test calculation.
How the Means Test Works
Step 1: Compare Your Income to the State Median
The first part of the Means Test compares your current monthly income (averaged over the last 6 months) to the median income for a household of your size in your state. If your income is below the median, you automatically pass and can file Chapter 7.
Step 2: Expense Analysis (If Needed)
If your income is above the median, the second part subtracts allowed expenses (housing, transportation, food, healthcare, taxes, etc.) to see if you have enough disposable income to repay a meaningful amount of debt. Many people who fail the first part still pass after deductions.
What Counts as Income?
Current monthly income includes wages, salary, tips, bonuses, overtime, business income, rental income, interest, dividends, pension, and most other regular income received in the 6 months before filing. Social Security benefits and certain veteran's benefits are excluded.
What If I Don't Pass?
Failing the Means Test doesn't mean you can't get debt relief. You may still qualify for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which lets you restructure your debts into a manageable 3-5 year repayment plan. An attorney can also identify deductions you may have missed.