Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Calculator

🔴 Priority Debts

Must be paid 100%

• Recent income taxes (last 3 years)
• Child support arrears
• Alimony/spousal support owed
• Criminal fines & restitution

🔵 Secured Debts

Arrears paid to keep property

• Mortgage (if behind on payments)
• Car loans (arrears + current)
• Home equity loans
• Property tax liens

🟢 Unsecured Debts

0-100% based on disposable income

• Credit card debt
• Medical bills
• Personal loans
• Payday loans

Chapter 13 monthly payments typically range from $500-$600 for basic cases without mortgage arrears. If you're behind on your mortgage, payments can be $1,000-$1,500 or more. High-income filers with significant debt may pay $2,000-$3,000+ monthly. Your actual payment depends on your income, debts, expenses, and whether you're catching up on secured debt arrears.

Your Chapter 13 payment is based on three tests: (1) Feasibility - you must be able to pay secured arrears, priority debts, trustee fees, and attorney fees; (2) Best Interest - unsecured creditors must receive at least what they'd get in Chapter 7; (3) Disposable Income - all disposable income after allowed expenses must go to the plan. The payment is the highest amount required by any of these tests.

Yes, you can file Chapter 13 bankruptcy regardless of income level. In fact, Chapter 13 is designed for people with regular income who can afford to repay some debts. Higher income may mean larger monthly payments and a 5-year plan instead of 3 years, but it doesn't disqualify you. The means test determines if you qualify for Chapter 7; if not, Chapter 13 is usually available.

No. Chapter 13 requires full payment of priority debts (recent taxes, child support, alimony) and secured debt arrears if you want to keep the property. Unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) may be partially paid or discharged after completing the plan. Some debts like student loans, recent taxes, and domestic support cannot be discharged in any bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 plans last either 36 months (3 years) or 60 months (5 years). If your income is below your state's median income for your household size, you can propose a 3-year plan. If your income is above the median, you must commit to a 5-year plan. You can always pay off your plan early if you have the funds.

Debts that survive Chapter 13 include: most student loans, child support and alimony obligations, debts from fraud or willful injury, criminal fines and restitution, certain tax debts, debts not listed in your bankruptcy filing, and debts from death or injury caused by drunk driving. These must be paid regardless of bankruptcy.