Washington DC Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator
Most people considering Chapter 7 in Washington DC start here. Enter your household size and income range to estimate whether you may fall under the current filing limit.
Chapter 7 Means Test
Consumer debt cases only
Answer four questions for a rough Chapter 7 income screen. No exact income is stored. Results are for planning only, not legal advice.
Who this screen covers: It assumes your debts are primarily consumer debts. It may not apply if most debts came from a business; if you are a disabled veteran whose debts arose primarily during active duty or a homeland-defense activity; or if you are a reservist or National Guard member during at least 90 days of qualifying duty or the 540 days afterward. Official bankruptcy forms may still be required.
How the Chapter 7 means test works
This screen annualizes the midpoint of the income range you select and compares it with the Washington DC median for your household size. It is a rough screen—not a substitute for the full federal form.
Washington DC income limits, already loaded
This page uses the Washington DC figures the U.S. Trustee Program applies to cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. You do not need to enter them manually.
Use the six-month income period
Choose the range containing your average monthly income for the six full calendar months before filing. The calculator uses that range's midpoint.
Note any complicating factors
High expenses and a prior filing can both affect eligibility. Flagging them gives you a more accurate result.
Income limits and resources for Washington DC filers
Income limits effective April 1, 2026 and where to get help if you're filing in Washington DC. For full jurisdiction-specific filing strategy, see our Washington DC bankruptcy practice page.
Current income limits
If your annualized current monthly income falls below the limit for your household size, Chapter 7 may be an option worth exploring.
| Household Size | Annual Median Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $85,391 |
| 2 people | $161,397 |
| 3 people | $161,397 |
| 4 people | $166,598 |
Add $11,100 for each person above 4. Source: U.S. Trustee Program, effective April 1, 2026.
Free resources and self-help options
Free legal aid, court self-help clinics, and credit counseling available to Washington DC residents.
Documents to Gather
- Pay stubs or income records for the last 6 months
- Complete list of debts (creditor names, balances, account numbers)
- Monthly household expense breakdown
- Prior bankruptcy case number and discharge date, if applicable
- Recent tax returns (last 2 years)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
Review the local numbers before choosing a chapter
Use these state-specific resources to check Chapter 7 eligibility, property protection, wage-garnishment exposure, chapter choice, cost, and timing before a case strategy is selected.
DC means test
Screen household income against the current Chapter 7 thresholds for this jurisdiction.
Run means testDC exemptions
Review local property protections and the planning issues that can affect homes, vehicles, cash, and refunds.
Review exemptionsDC wage garnishment
Estimate the wage limit for ordinary consumer-debt garnishments and compare bankruptcy timing options.
Use calculatorChapter 7 vs. Chapter 13
Compare discharge timing, asset risk, repayment-plan issues, and when each chapter may fit.
Compare chaptersBankruptcy cost
Review filing fees, course costs, attorney-fee factors, and Chapter 13 fee-review references.
Review costsChapter 13 payment calculator
Estimate a repayment-plan payment from arrears, priority debt, unsecured-debt targets, and trustee administration.
Estimate paymentStop foreclosure
Review when bankruptcy may affect a foreclosure sale and when Chapter 13 can help cure arrears.
Review foreclosure optionsBankruptcy and security clearance
Review how bankruptcy, financial disclosures, and documentation can affect clearance-sensitive debt planning.
Review clearance planningYour result is a starting point, not a final answer
This tool estimates where you stand based on the displayed income limits; it is not a legal determination. Figures are from the U.S. Trustee Program, effective April 1, 2026.
What this result can and can't tell you
A below-median result is a good sign, but deductions, assets, and case specifics still matter. Treat this as a first data point.
When to talk with a bankruptcy attorney
Your result gives you a baseline for the conversation - eligibility, timing, and whether Chapter 13 makes more sense are all worth covering.