Determining Eligibility

• If your current monthly income is lower than your state's median income, then you qualify for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If not, then your eligibility depends on passing a means test.
  
  

Means Test

• The means test uses information related to your income and assets to determine if your disposable income is sufficient for repaying your debt.
  
  

Dischargeable Debts

• You can include credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, auto loans and mortgage loans. You cannot generally discharge student loans or government debt through bankruptcy.
  
  

Restrictions

• You cannot file if you've had a previous Chapter 7 discharge in the past eight years, or if you've had a Chapter 7 filing dismissed in the past 180 days.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• As part of your filing, you are required to attend credit counseling from a certified agency.