Chapter 7 · the means test
Is your income low enough for Chapter 7?
The means test is the gateway to Chapter 7. If your household earns less than the Illinois median for a family your size, you pass without a calculation. If you earn more, you may still pass. The numbers are below.
I run the test for you on the first call. Ten minutes.
What counts as income
Everything your household took in during the six full months before filing, doubled.
Wages, self-employment, rental income, support you receive. Not Social Security.
Illinois median income
The income limits, by household size
For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. Under the figure for your household: you pass. Over it: keep reading.
#1 person
$73,180 a year
$6,098.33 a month
#2 people
$93,934 a year
$7,827.83 a month
#3 people
$113,625 a year
$9,468.75 a month
#4 people
$137,902 a year
$11,491.83 a month
#5 people
$149,002 a year
$12,416.83 a month
#6 people
$160,102 a year
$13,341.83 a month
#larger
Add $11,100 a year for each person over four
Source: U.S. Trustee Program, Census Bureau median family income by family size, cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. The table changes around April 1 and November 1 each year.
What the number means
Under the line and over the line
In Chapter 7
Under the median for your household: you qualify for Chapter 7 without a calculation.
Over it: you can still qualify, but you have to take and pass the full means test. It subtracts allowed living expenses from your income, and many people over the line still come out with nothing left to pay creditors.
In Chapter 13
Under the median: you qualify for the shorter 36-month plan.
Over it: the plan runs 60 months, and a formula decides how much of your debt you pay back. That can mean higher monthly payments and a more expensive case. Worth knowing before you choose.
Over the median?
The full means test, in three steps
Add up six months of income
Every source, for the six full months before filing. A recent layoff or pay cut can put you under the line even if last year's W-2 says otherwise.
Subtract the allowed expenses
National and local standards for food, housing, transportation and health care, plus your actual mortgage, car payments, taxes, child care and support.
See what is left
If what remains could not pay a meaningful share of your debt over five years, you pass. I do this math with you before you decide anything.
Not sure which side of the line you are on?
Bring your last six months of pay stubs. I will tell you in one call.