Bezpłatna konsultacja dla konsumentów.

Umów się teraz!

(773) 570-0054Umów Się Online Tutaj
Najtańsze, Najszybsze i Najłatwiejsze Rozwiązanie na Karty Kredytowe

Bankructwo Rozdział 7: Test Mozliwosci

Polski Adwokat od Bankructwa w Chicago, Artur Corbin

Pierwszy i najwazniejszy test do kwlaifikacji na Rozdzial 7

Zadzwoń: (773) 570-0054Umów Się Online
Pomogłem 1,000+ klientom
Logo of the ABI
Logo of the NCLC
logo of NACA
Kluczowe Punkty
  • The Means Test determines whether you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
  • It compares your income to state median income levels.
  • If your income is too high, you must deduct allowed and actual expenses.
  • If you have leftover income, you may be forced to file Chapter 13.
  • The test uses fixed government tables — not just your personal bills.

Test Możliwości: The Gateway to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

You must take the Means Test unless you satisfy one of two exceptions

  1. You do not have to take the means test if more than 50% of your total debt is considered non-consumer business debt.
    • A business debt is a debt incurred with a profit motive, such as a loan for equipment, commercial real estate, or business supplies.
    • A consumer debt is a debt incurred for personal, family, or household purposes.
  2. You are a disabled veteran or a qualified reservist or national guard member.

Na czym polega test możliwości?

  • Test Możliwości to pierwszy i często decydujący krok w kwalifikacji do złożenia wniosku na Rozdział 7.
  • Jest to mechaniczna formuła analizująca Twoje dochody, lub dochody i wydatki.
  • Jeśli nie przejdziesz Testu Możliwości, nadal możesz złożyć wniosek pod warunkiem, że UST The Office of the United States Trustee oversees all bankruptcy cases. The Office of the United States Trustee oversees all bankruptcy cases. Learn more here. będzie wnioskować o oddalenie Twojej sprawy lub – za Twoją zgodą – o konwersję na Rozdział 13, i nie otrzymasz umorzenia w Rozdziale 7.

Embed Intro Video

  • Wyjaśnij złożone niuanse
  • Wyjaśnij, że Test Możliwości wykonuję za Ciebie

Jak Działa Test Możliwości?

Test Możliwości składa się z dwóch zasadniczych części:

Część Pierwsza

Porównanie Twojego “średniego miesiąncego dochody” z medianą Stanu Illinois

Na tym etapie sprawdzasz, czy Twój “średni miesięczny dochód,” oparty na dochodzie z 6 miesięcy przed złożeniem wniosku o bankructwo, jest wyższy czy niższy od mediany dochodu Stanu Illinois dla gospodarstwa domowego o tej samej wielkości.

  • Jeśli Twój dochód jest PONIŻEJ mediany: Automatycznie przechodzisz Test Możliwości. Nie musisz wypełniać Części Drugiej i możesz przejść do pozostałych dwóch testów kwalifikacyjnych: Testu Ogółu Okoliczności i Testu Dobrej Wiary.
  • Jeśli Twój dochód jest POWYŻEJ mediany: Musisz przejść do Części Drugiej Testu Możliwości.

Część Druga

Deduction of your expenses from your current monthly income to determine eligibility for chapter 7.

Jeśli Twój dochód przekracza medianę, musisz wypełnić bardziej szczegółowy formularz matematyczny. Formuła ta jest określona w Kodeksie Upadłościowym USA (zobacz 11 U.S.C. Sekcja 707).

Na podstawie Twoich dochodów i dozwolonych wydatków (które mogą być oparte na krajowych i lokalnych standardach) ustala się, czy posiadasz wystarczający dochód rozporządzalny, aby spłacić część swoich długów.

Jeśli tak, nie będziesz się kwalifikować do Rozdziału 7 i być może będziesz musiała rozważyć Rozdział 13, albo wogóle nie skadać bankructwa.

The Chapter 7 Means Test: Detailed Steps

  • The means test can get pretty complex pretty quickly.
  • To keep things manageable, try doing the test yourself by using estimates when calculating your income and expenses.
  • To obtain a result that will withstand scrutiny, you will need to assemble income and creditor documents and information
  • I personally complete the means test for all clients as part of the eligibility analysis.

Part A: Calculate Your Means Test Income (the “Current Monthly Income”)

Step 1: Organize Your Income

You will be adding-up the following income:

  • All your income from all sources except Social Security and Veterans’ Disability benefits; and
  • All income regularly contributed towards your expenses and to the expenses of your dependents;
  • Which you received during the 6 full months before the month you file your bankruptcy case.
  • Gross wages, salary, tips, bonuses, overtime, and commissions
  • Alimony and maintenance payments
  • All amounts from any source which are regularly paid for household expenses of you or your dependents, including child support. Include regular contributions from an unmarried partner, members of your household, your dependents, parents, and roommates. Include regular contributions from a spouse
  • Net income from self-employment, operating a business, profession (includes Uber, DoorDash, etc.)
  • Net income from rental and other real property
  • Interest, dividends, and royalties
  • Unemployment compensation
  • Pension or retirement income
  • Income from all other sources not listed above, such as: Foodstamps/SNAP benefits

Calculate the 6-Month Income Lookback Period

Click on the month you plan to file bankruptcy. The tool will show you which 6 months of income to count for the means test.

December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
Filing Month
Count This Income

Income Months to Count:

Filing Month:

You will be adding-up ALL income during the 6 highlighted months.

Step 2: Calculate Your Income

  1. Add up all your income from those 6 months.
  2. Divide that total by 6 to get your average monthly income.
  3. Multiply by 12 to get your annual income.

Step 3: Compare Your Income to the Applicable Household Size in the Means Test Table

Tabela Dochodów Medianicznych Testu Możliwości dla Stan Illinois

*Dochód brutto ze wszystkich źródeł z wyjątkiem świadczeń zabezpieczenia społecznego (Social Security).

Liczba Osób
w Gospodarstwie Domowym		Median Roczny Dochód*
(updated 5/15/2025)
1$69,611
2$88,824
3$108,492
4$132,536
5$133,636
6$144,736

Compare your annual income to the income limit for your household size using the above Means Test Table.

  • If your income is BELOW the limit: You pass the Means Test. Move on to the other bankruptcy requirements (Totality of Circumstances Test and the Good Faith Test).
  • If your income is ABOVE the limit: You don't pass the Means Test (yet), and you must do Part B of the Means Test.

Part B: Calculate Your Expenses to Determine Your Leftover Income

If your income was above the median in Part A, Part B allows you to offset your income using your average monthly expenses.

However, in doing so, keep in mind that the Bankruptcy Code also limits the expenses you can use.

Step 1: Organize Your Actual Out-of-Pocket Expenses

  • Federal, state, and local income taxes
  • Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA)
  • Mandatory payroll deductions (e.g., union dues, uniforms, required retirement contributions)
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Out-of-pocket health care expenses (e.g., prescriptions, co-pays, medical supplies (contacts, eyeglasses, etc.))
  • Term life insurance (for you or your dependents only)
  • Childcare and babysitting expenses
  • Education expenses for a dependent minor child (limited to $170/month as of latest DOJ guidelines)
  • Support for elderly, disabled, or chronically ill
  • Spouse’s separate expenses (if not filing jointly, and if expenses do not benefit you or your dependents)
  • Secured debt payments for necessary items (e.g., mortgage, car loan, real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance (if not in escrow) )

    • Note for non-mortgage payments: If you have less than 60 installment payments remaining, you must recalculate your installment payment(s).

    To do so, obtain the payoff balance from the creditor and divide by 60.

    The sum will be the secured debt payment you are allowed to deduct for that account.

    Note for mortgage payments: If your mortgage payment is less than the standard allowance (see Local Standard Houshing expense below, you can deduct the higher standard allowance.

    strong>Note for escrow:If escrow is not included in your mortgage payment, treat your annual real estate taxes and your homeowner's insurance premium as separate secured debts.

    To calculate the installment payments, divide the annual taxes and annual homeowner's premium by 12.

  • Court-ordered payments (e.g., child support, alimony)
  • Certain “priority” unsecured debt payments not listed above (most common example: recent unpaid taxes)
  • Charitable contributions (up to 15% of gross income)

Step 2: Calculate the "Allowed" Expenses Set by the Bankruptcy Code

insert another calculator/tool here: the tool displays and calculates the allowed expenses
user chooses: county and household size; tools: displays applicable expenses

For these set or "standardized" expenses, you may only deduct the amount the Bankruptcy Code allows - not what you actually spend.

National Standards by Expense Category and Household Size

Updated May 15, 2025

ExpenseOne PersonTwo PersonsThree PersonsFour Persons
Food$497$863$1,068$1,255
Housekeeping Supplies$45$75$82$91
Apparel & Services$93$181$188$276
Personal Care Products & Services$50$91$94$117
Miscellaneous$154$271$321$390
Total$839$1,481$1,753$2,129
Add $394 for each additional person over four

National Standards Food and Apparel Only (11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2)(A)(ii)(I))

Updated May 15, 2025

ExpenseOne PersonTwo PersonsThree PersonsFour Persons
Food & Clothing (Apparel & Services)$590$1,044$1,256$1,531
5% of Food & Clothing$30$52$63$77
Add $283 to base and $14 to 5% for each person over four

Local Standards for Utilities and Housing for Chicago Area Counties

Updated May 15, 2025

CountyExpense1 Person2 People3 People4 People5+ People
CookNon-Motg.$643$755$796$887$902
Mtg./Rent$1,516$1,781$1,876$2,092$2,125
DuPageNon-Mtg.$551$647$682$760$772
Mtg./Rent$1,755$2,061$2,172$2,422$2,462
KaneNon-Mtg.$578$679$715$798$811
Mtg./Rent$1,565$1,838$1,937$2,159$2,194
LakeNon-Mtg.$571$671$707$788$801
Mtg./Rent$1,770$2,078$2,190$2,442$2,481
WillNon-Mtg.$578$679$715$798$810
Mtg./Rent$1,555$1,826$1,925$2,146$2,181

Local Standards for Utilities and Housing for Rockford Area Counties

Updated May 15, 2025

CountyExpense1 Person2 People3 People4 People5+ People
BooneNon-Mtg.$569$668$704$785$798
Mtg./Rent$1,139$1,338$1,410$1,572$1,597
McHenryNon-Mtg.$549$645$680$758$770
Mtg./Rent$1,494$1,755$1,849$2,062$2,095
OgleNon-Mtg.$566$666$701$782$794
Mtg./Rent$1,057$1,241$1,308$1,458$1,482
WinnebagoNon-Mtg.$566$665$701$782$794
Mtg./Rent$953$1,119$1,179$1,314$1,336

Local Standards for Transportation for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Will, McHenry

Updated May 15, 2025

Expense TypeStandard Amount
Public Transportation$258
Operating Costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance) for 1 Car$338
Operating Costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance) for 2 Cars$676
Ownership Costs (car payment) per vechile with 2 cars max$533

Local Standards for Transportation for Rest of Illinois

Updated May 15, 2025

Expense TypeStandard Amount
Public Transportation$242
Operating Costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance) for 1 Car$285
Operating Costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance) for 2 Cars$570
Ownership Costs (car payment) per vechile with 2 cars max$533

Actual Administrative Expenses of Administering a Chapter 13 Plan

Updated May 15, 2025

DistrictAdministrative Expense Percentage
Northern District of Illinois8.1%

Step 3: Calculate Your Leftover Income

A: Add up all your actual expenses (Step 1).

B: Add up all your allowed expenses (Step 2).

C: Add both totals together to get your total average monthly expenses.

D: Subtract your total monthly expenses from your total monthly income. This is your "leftover income."

Analyze Results
  • If you have NO leftover income (or negative): You pass the means test.
  • If you have leftover income: You must continue to Part C to see if it's low enough to still qualify for chapter 7.

Part C: Check If Your Leftover Income Is Low Enough to Pass the Means Test

Even if you have some leftover income, you may still qualify for Chapter 7, if you have enough expenses to offset enough of your income.

Step 1: Calculate Your 60-Month Leftover Income

  • Multiply your monthly leftover income by 60.

This shows how much you could theoretically pay to creditors over 5 years in a Chapter 13 plan.

Example: $200 leftover per month × 60 months = $12,000 total

Step 2: Compare Your 60-Month Total to Qualification Limits

  • If your total is less than $10,275: You pass the means test and qualify for Chapter 7.
  • If your total is more than $17,150: You fail the means test and likely cannot file Chapter 7. Go to "What if You Fail the Means Test," below.
  • If your total is $10,275 to $17,150: Go to Part D below.

Part D: The 25% Rule (If Your Total Was $10,275 to $17,150)

This step checks if your leftover income is enough to pay at least 25% of your "nonpriority unsecured" debts.

Step 1: Add up all your nonpriority unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans).

Step 2: Multiply that total by 0.25 to get 25%.

Example: $50,000 in credit cards × 0.25 = $12,500

Step 3: Compare your 60-month total to this 25% amount:

  • If your 60-month total is LOWER: You pass the means test.
  • If your 60-month total is HIGHER: You fail the means test. Proceed to "What if You Fail the Means Test," below

What If You Fail the Means Test?

Failing the means test doesn't prevent you from filing Chapter 7. But it makes things a LOT more complicated and expensive.

Your Options If You Can't Pass the Means Test

  • You can still file Chapter 7, but the "UST" will challenge your case as "abusive" and ask the court for a dismissal or conversion to chapter 13 (if you are OK with chapter 13)
  • You'll have a chance to argue "special circumstances" to prove you should still qualify.

The Reality

  • Courts rarely accept "special circumstances" arguments; most judges are very strict about this.
  • Fighting the UST will likely cost thousands of dollars in attorney fees with no guarantee you'll win.

Your Better Options

If you can't pass the means test, consider:

  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy: A reorganization of your debts that might work better for your situation
  • Wait to file: Do some bankruptcy planning and file Chapter 7 when you can pass the means test
  • Non-bankruptcy solutions: Explore other non-bankruptcy ways to resolve with your debt
Przydatne Linki:

???? Summary: What You Should Know

  • Use your **last 6 full months** of income — not your current paycheck.
  • Exclude **Social Security** and **veteran’s disability benefits** from your income.
  • If your income is above the median, you must deduct actual and allowed expenses to pass.
  • Standardized expenses are based on tables — not your actual bills.
  • Even if you pass the means test, your expenses must still be **reasonable**.
  • If you fail, Chapter 13 or delay-and-retry may be your next best option.
County: Cook
Housing Allowance: $2,200
Utility Allowance: $350
County: DuPage
Housing Allowance: $2,150
Utility Allowance: $340
Household Size: 1
Total Allowance: $808
Household Size: 2
Total Allowance: $1,342
Household Size: 3
Total Allowance: $1,547
Household Size: 4
Total Allowance: $1,744
Each Additional Person: Add $200