The U.S. Trustee's Office has recently updated the figures that will be used to determine whether a debtor qualifies to file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy under the "Median Income" test. A debtor will pass the Median Income test in Illinois if the debtor's gross income, including any contributions made by other household members, is less than the median gross income for a family of the same size in Illinois, based on current U.S. Census data.

For cases filed on or after April 1, 2013, the Median Income figures, based on household size, are as follows:

For household size of 1 = $47,485

For household size of 2 = $59,861

For household size of 3 = $68,721

For household size of 4 = $80,776

For each individual in excess of 4, add $8,100

If a debtor does not pass the Median Income Test, however, he or she may still qualify to file for Chapter 7 debt relief by passing the Means Test. If you live in Suburban Chicago and need assistance in determining whether you qualify for Chapter 7 debt relief, contact Crystal Lake Bankruptcy Lawyer Timothy Brown to arrange for a free consultation.