Bankruptcy / Illinois / Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Illinois: 7 Things You Need to Know

Written by Ben Tejes
Updated Nov 21st, 2023
The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available in this article are for general informational purposes only. 

You may wonder whether filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Illinois is the best debt relief option. Bankruptcy is a common relief option. In fact, there were 24,175 bankruptcies that have been filed in Illinois by June 30th, 2021.

The purpose of this article is to provide what you need to know about Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Illinois. Here’s what we will cover:

  • Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Illinois
  • Calculating Chapter 13 Plan Payments in Illinois
  • Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Illinois Process
  • Illinois Bankruptcy Exemptions
  • Bankruptcy Courts and Trustees for Illinois
  • Illinois Chapter 13 Bankruptcy FAQs
  • Alternatives to Filing Bankruptcy in Illinois

Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Illinois

There are many differences between a Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 bankruptcy. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires that you pass an income test to receive a bankruptcy discharge (debt forgiveness). If your income exceeds a certain amount, you may not qualify for a bankruptcy discharge under Chapter 7 unless your debts are primarily business debts. The purpose of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy process is to provide debt relief for individuals who cannot afford to repay their debts. If you haven’t checked, you may estimate Chapter 7 qualification using our Chapter 7 calculator.

However, Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases are designed for individuals who can afford to repay some of their debts, but they need help restructuring their debts into an affordable plan. Through the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process, debtors (the individuals who file the bankruptcy case) propose a plan that repays some or all of their debts. The Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a 3 or 5 year plan (with the exception of a 100% plan).

Calculating Chapter 13 Plan Payments in Illinois

Your Chapter 13 plan payment in Illinois depends on your unique financial situation, which is why we built a Illinois Chapter 13 Plan Payment calculator below that you can use to estimate your Chapter 13 plan payment.

The calculator below will also include how much estimated the Chapter 13 lawyer fees will cost you.

Factors used when calculating a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan include, but are not limited to:

  • Disposable Income — The amount of income you have each month after subtracting allowable payroll deductions and allowable living expenses from your gross monthly income.
  • Assets — In some cases, the value of your assets could increase the amount of your Chapter 13 plan if your assets have large amounts of non-exempt equity. We discuss Illinois bankruptcy exemptions in more detail below and how exemptions impact your Chapter 13 plan. 
  • Debts — Some debts must be paid in full through the Chapter 13 plan (priority unsecured debts such as taxes, alimony, child support, and administrative costs). Other creditors may receive partial payments, including unsecured debts, such as medical bills, credit card debt, and personal loans. Chapter 13 plans typically include back mortgage payments and car loan payments.
  • Recent Financial Transactions — Some recent financial transactions could impact your Chapter 13 plan. 

Try the Chapter 13 calculator to estimate the amount of your Illinois Chapter 13 plan payment. 

Means Testing in Illinois

As part of the bankruptcy process, you must complete the Illinois bankruptcy means test. The Means Test calculates your average monthly income (AMI), annual median income, and disposable income. Consequently, each of these figures is important for a Chapter 13 case.

Calculating Average Monthly Income (AMI)

Your average monthly income (AMI) is calculated using all household income received during the six months before filing a Chapter 13 case. Then, the total of all income over six months is divided by six to determine your AMI. 

To calculate your annual median income, you multiple the AMI by 12. The annual median income is used in a Chapter 13 case to determine whether you are required to submit a 60-month bankruptcy plan.

If your median income exceeds the Illinois median income levels, you must submit a 60-month plan. Alternatively, if your median income is below the Illinois median income, you may qualify for a 36-month bankruptcy plan. Although, you may still choose to propose a 60-month plan based on your specific situation and needs.

The median income in Illinois for bankruptcy cases is based on information gathered by the United States Trustee’s (UST) Office. Also, the UST’s office revises the data periodically to ensure it reflects the current income for each state. Furthermore, you can view the current median income figures used for Illinois Chapter 13 cases by clicking here

The latest figures are for cases filed on or after November 1, 2023.

# of PeopleAnnual Income
1$64,303
2$83,024
3$101,710
4$120,079
5$129,979
6$139,879
7$149,779
8$159,679
9$169,579

Calculating Disposable Income for a Chapter 13 Plan

There is a second part of the Means Test that calculates your disposable income. In most cases, all disposable income must be contributed to a Chapter 13 plan to repay your unsecured creditors. Unsecured creditors typically receive a small percentage of the money owed to them through a Chapter 13 plan. Comparatively, most unsecured debts are forgiven or discharged upon the successful completion of your plan. 

However, only certain living expenses may be deducted from your average monthly income. Although, most required payroll deductions are included in the allowable expenses. The United States Trustee’s Office publishes a list of the living expenses that are allowable based on the size of your household. It’s important to note, these expenses are restricted to a maximum amount. For example, these expenses include food, clothing, household supplies, and out-of-pocket health care expenses. 

If your expenses exceed the maximum amount or you have special expenses, you need to request approval of those expenses and provide proof of the expenses to the court.

Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Illinois Process

The process to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy is similar across the state. So, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Chicago may be similar to Aurora. We will cover the decision to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, locating a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney, credit counseling and debtor education course requirements, completing your bankruptcy forms, and filing your Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition.

1) Deciding if a Illinois Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is Right for You

Chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy. Debtors who file Chapter 13 bankruptcy can afford to repay some of their debts. The amount of your debt that you must repay depends on several factors, including but not limited to:

  • Your disposable income (the money you can afford to pay toward debts each month)
  • The amount and types of debts you owe
  • Whether bankruptcy exemptions protect all of the equity in your assets
  • The length of your bankruptcy plan 
  • Recent financial transactions
There could be other factors that impact the amount of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan.

If you cannot pay your debts and you do not meet the income qualifications for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case might be right for you.

2) Locating a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney in Illinois

Even though you are not required to hire a bankruptcy lawyer, filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy without a lawyer is not recommended. Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases are very complex. Calculating a Chapter 13 plan requires a great deal of experience and knowledge. Someone who does not understand Chapter 13 bankruptcy law could pay much more than is necessary to get out of debt.

Also, the court expects you to understand and know the law the applies in your case if you represent yourself. The court will not explain bankruptcy law to you, and it will hold you accountable for the errors you make in your case. Therefore, it is best to have an experienced Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer handle your case. 

What are the benefits of hiring a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in Illinois?

  • A trusted legal advocate who understands bankruptcy laws
  • Reminds you of deadlines and hearings in your case
  • Determines if you should file under Chapter 13 or Chapter 7
  • Calculates the lowest Chapter 13 plan payment allowed by law
  • Maximizes asset protection so you can keep all your property, including your home and vehicle
  • Completes and files all required bankruptcy forms
  • Guides you through the process by explaining each step and providing support at hearings
  • Protects you from aggressive creditors who might want more money than they are entitled to receive

Having a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney handle your case means you have someone on your side who can help you avoid mistakes and errors that could hurt your case.

3) Illinois Credit Counseling and Debtor Education Courses

As part of your Chapter 13 case in Illinois, it is a requirement to complete two bankruptcy courses. The bankruptcy courses are available online from approved companies for a small fee. Moreover, the courses typically take between 90 minutes and two hours to complete. 

Here are the approved providers in Illinois:

Accordingly, it’s a good idea to check to make sure you are using the most recent list of approved providers.

The Credit Counseling Course needs to be complete before you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Also, you need to complete the Debtor Education Course after filing the Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition. It is a good idea to complete the second bankruptcy course as soon as possible after filing the Chapter 13 case so that you do not forget about the course and lose your bankruptcy discharge.

4) Completing Your Bankruptcy Forms

A typical Chapter 13 bankruptcy package could be 100 or more pages. When you file Chapter 13, you must complete the approved bankruptcy forms and any local bankruptcy forms required by the bankruptcy court. Your bankruptcy lawyer completes the forms and reviews each form with you to ensure accuracy and completeness before the attorney files the forms with the court. 

The forms for a Illinois Chapter 13 case includes information about your:

  • Real estate
  • Personal property 
  • Bankruptcy exemptions
  • Debts
  • Income 
  • Expenses
  • Co-debtors 
  • Leases and Executory Contracts

The Statement of Financial Affairs is a form with almost two dozen questions about your received financial transactions. It includes income for the past two years, recent payments to certain creditors and insiders, a list of lawsuits, gifts, contributions, leases, transfers, and other information. Your bankruptcy attorney assists you in gathering information and completing your bankruptcy forms.

5) Filing Chapter 13 in Illinois and Attending Court

Your bankruptcy lawyer files your bankruptcy forms and obtains a case number. The bankruptcy court schedules a First Meeting of Creditors and a Confirmation Hearing. In most cases, these are the only two hearings that most bankruptcy debtors attend. Your bankruptcy lawyer prepares you for the hearing and attends the hearings with you. 

Once your Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan is confirmed, you continue to pay your Chapter 13 bankruptcy payments until your case is complete. If you have any problems or questions, you contact your Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney immediately. Your attorney is there to direct and guide you so that you can complete your bankruptcy plan to get a fresh start, free from the debts that are weighing you down and preventing you from achieving your financial goals.

Bankruptcy Exemptions

Illinois bankruptcy exemptions protect the net equity in the property from repaying your debts. In a Chapter 13 case, non-exempt equity increases the amount of money you must pay each month to your unsecured creditors. Therefore, it is important to claim all allowable bankruptcy exemptions. 

Net equity is calculated by subtracting a valid lien (i.e. mortgage, title loan, etc.) and the allowable bankruptcy exemption from the fair market value of an asset. If the result is zero or negative, the asset does not impact your Chapter 13 plan payment.

Illinois Bankruptcy Exemptions

This exemptions list appears to outline most Illinois bankruptcy exemptions. The specific amounts used for Illinois bankruptcy exemptions are revised periodically. As a result, you must use the most current information available here. See some of the most common Illinois bankruptcy exemptions below.

Homestead Exemption

The homestead exemption is often broken down by age and whether you are married. 

  • Married and under 65: $30,000
  • Married is 65 or older: $30,000
  • Single and under 65: $15,000
  • Single is 65 or older: $15,000

Illinois specific homestead bankruptcy exemption text: “I.L.C.S. §§ 5/12-901; 5/12-906. Real or personal property including a farm, lot, & buildings, condo, co-op, or mobile home to $15,000; sale proceeds exempt for 1 year” (Source)

Automobile Exemption

The automobile bankruptcy exemption in Illinois is $2,400.

Tools of Trade Exemption

The tools of the trade bankruptcy exemption in Illinois is $1,500.

Wildcard Exemption

The wildcard bankruptcy exemption in Illinois is $4,000.

Personal Property Exemption

The personal property bankruptcy exemption in Illinois is $0.

Special Exemption Handling for Illinois

Below is specific special handling of bankruptcy exemptions in Illinois.

  • Personal: Necessary wearing apparel; bible and school books; family pictures; professionally prescribed health aids; a certificate of title to any watercraft over 12 feet in length; prepaid tuition trust fund; Illinois College Savings Pool accounts invested more than one year before filing if below federal gift tax limit, or two years before filing if above.

Other Common Bankruptcy Exemptions

Here are other common exemptions. There may be limits to the amount of the bankruptcy exemption, so please be sure to check each one individually.

Again, bankruptcy exemptions in Illinois change from time to time, so please check the current list for updates or find the government statutes. 

Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions

Federal bankruptcy exemptions are located in the Bankruptcy Code under 11 U.S.C. §562. You can also view a list of the federal bankruptcy exemptions published by NCLC. The amounts of the bankruptcy exemptions periodically change.

However, the Bankruptcy Code permits states to “opt out” of using federal bankruptcy exemptions. Most states choose to enact state-specific bankruptcy exemptions. Some states require debtors to use state-specific exemptions, while other states allow debtors to choose between federal and state bankruptcy exemptions. 

Illinois is a state that does not allow you to use federal bankruptcy exemptions. If not allowed, with very few exceptions, you must use Illinois bankruptcy exemptions if you have resided in Illinois for at least 730 days before filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Illinois. If you have not resided in Illinois for at least 730 days, you must follow the rules of the state you resided in for the greater portion of 180 days before the 730 day period. 

Some Illinois exemptions may not be not as generous as federal bankruptcy exemptions or other state bankruptcy exemptions. If you are considering a move to Illinois soon or recently moved to Illinois, you may want to contact a bankruptcy lawyer to discuss the exemption laws that apply in your case.

Illinois Bankruptcy Courts and Trustees

The Chapter 13 bankruptcy process in Illinois is similar for all Chapter 13 cases in the state. There are bankruptcy district(s) that represent where you file. Your current residence determines whether you file your bankruptcy case. See the Illinois bankruptcy district(s) below.

Bankruptcy Courts and Districts in Illinois

Northern District

  • 219 South Dearborn Street
    Chicago, IL 60604
  • 327 South Church Street
    Rockford, IL 61101

Central District

  • 305 U.S. Courthouse
    100 N.E. Monroe Street
    Peoria, IL 61602
  • 218 U.S. Courthouse
    201 S. Vine Street
    Urbana, IL 61802
  • 151 U.S. Courthouse
    600 E. Monroe Street
    Springfield, IL 62701
  • U.S. District Court
    Rock Island Division
    131 E. 4th Street, Room 250
    Davenport, IA 52801

Southern District

  • 301 West Main Street
    Benton, IL 62812*
    (618) 439-7760
  • 750 Missouri Avenue
    East St. Louis, IL 62201
    (618) 482-9371

In either case, the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process in Illinois is the same. You need to begin by deciding whether Chapter 13 is right for you, locate a Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney, complete the bankruptcy forms, and attend your bankruptcy hearings. 

Let’s discuss the Chapter 13 bankruptcy process in Illinois in more detail.

Chapter 13 Trustees in Illinois

A Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee administers each Chapter 13 bankruptcy case. Although, you do not have a choice of your Chapter 13 trustee. You can find the current list of the current Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustees on the UST’s website or below:

DistrictNamePhone
CentralMarsha L. Combs-Skinner(217) 837-9730
NorthernMarilyn O. Marshall(312) 431-1300
NorthernLydia S. Meyer(815) 968-5354
NorthernGlenn B. Stearns(630) 981-3888
NorthernTom Vaughn(312) 294-5900
SouthernRussell C. Simon(618) 277-0086
 

Illinois Chapter 13 Bankruptcy FAQs

Some common questions that people ask about the Chapter 13 filing process in Illinois include:

What are the benefits of filing Chapter 13 in Illinois?

The benefits of the Chapter 13 filing process in Illinois include:

  • Stop foreclosure in Illinois to keep your home by catching up with past-due mortgage payments over three to five years
  • Stop Illinois wage garnishments, seizures, levies, and debt collection lawsuits
  • End creditor harassment
  • Prevent repossession and keep your vehicle
  • You may be able to discharge a second mortgage through Chapter 13
  • You may be able to pay less than you owe to satisfy the secured lien on your vehicle 
  • Catch up past-due child support and alimony
  • Get rid of unsecured debts for pennies on the dollar
  • Resolve tax debts and IRS problems
  • Protect property from being sold to pay debts

Another benefit of the Chapter 13 process in Illinois is getting rid of the stress and anxiety of dealing with debt problems. Financial problems can cause an enormous amount of stress, which can cause severe health problems. The Chapter 13 bankruptcy process in Illinois allows you to take control of your debts and finances to relieve stress and anxiety. 

How much does a Chapter 13 cost in Illinois?

There are several costs of filing Chapter 13 in Illinois. Chapter 13 bankruptcy costs in Illinois include bankruptcy attorney fees, the trustee fees, filing fee, bankruptcy courses and miscellaneous costs.

1) Bankruptcy Attorney Fees

The bankruptcy attorney fees for a Chapter 13 case are higher than the fees charged for a Chapter 7 case because there is much more work for the attorney to perform in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case. However, you do not need to pay all the fees upfront. Bankruptcy attorneys generally include all or most of the Chapter 13 bankruptcy fees in the Chapter 13 plan. 

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyers can itemize their fees, but most charge a flat fee for Chapter 13 cases. The Illinois Bankruptcy Courts limit the flat fee amounts, which are increased periodically to reflect inflation. These are called no look fees.

The Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney fee in Illinois is estimated $3500 - $3800. The fee may depend on district, so a Chapter 13 attorney fee may be different from Aurora to Naperville depending on the district.

If you are interested in filing Chapter 13, you can use our Bankruptcy Attorney Fee Estimator to obtain an estimate of the attorneys’ fees for Chapter 13 in your area. You also receive a list of Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorneys near you. Ascend can help you contact the attorneys to arrange a free consultation to discuss filing Chapter 13 in Illinois in more detail.

2) Illinois Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee Fees

One of the highest costs in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Illinois is the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee fees. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often a 3 or 5-year plan. So, there are many administrative tasks for the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee.

Here’s the breakdown of Illinois Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee fees: 6.5% - 7.3%. Just as a reference, this can result in thousands of dollars in trustee fees. Our Chapter 13 calculator helps estimate what that fee would be.

3) Filing Fee to the Bankruptcy Court

The bankruptcy filing fee for a Chapter 13 case is $313. The fee is paid to the bankruptcy court. The fee is the same whether you file an individual case or a joint bankruptcy filing with your spouse. 

4) Bankruptcy Courses

There are two bankruptcy courses that you must complete as part of Chapter 13. The first bankruptcy course or Credit Counseling Course must be completed before you file your Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition. You can shop around to find a credit counseling agency in Illinois that offers the course for the lowest price. Most agencies charge $15 to $50 for the course.

The second bankruptcy court or Debtor Education Course must be completed after you file your Chapter 13. Many of the credit counseling agencies offer both bankruptcy courses. Some agencies offer discounts for taking both courses through the agency. The Debtor Education Course in Illinois can be as low as $10 through some agencies. 

5) Miscellaneous Costs

If you choose to file Chapter 13 without an attorney, you will have miscellaneous fees. You may need to pay for credit reports to verify you have listed all creditors on your bankruptcy forms. You are also responsible for the postage for mailing bankruptcy notices and other required forms to creditors and other parties in interest. Throughout your bankruptcy case, you will be required to mail notices or other information to your creditors and parties in interest. 

How often can you file Chapter 13 in Illinois?

Some people go through several financial difficulties during their lifetime. A person could need help from the bankruptcy system more than once. For that reason, bankruptcy cases are not limited to one case per person. You can file bankruptcy again if you need debt relief.

There are no restrictions on the number of bankruptcy cases a person may file. However, there are mandatory waiting times for obtaining a bankruptcy discharge. The bankruptcy discharge is the legal order that forgives your debt. Therefore, filing a bankruptcy case without receiving a bankruptcy discharge is generally a waste of time and money.

If you need to file another bankruptcy case, it is crucial to know the waiting periods for receiving a bankruptcy discharge. The time limits are based on the filing dates of the bankruptcy cases:

Four Years — You must wait four years after filing a Chapter 7 case to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Two Years — You must wait two years after filing a Chapter 13 case to file another Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

It is usually best to talk to a bankruptcy lawyer before filing Chapter 13 again. You want to ensure that there are no specific situations that apply in your case that could interfere with obtaining another Chapter 13 bankruptcy discharge. Also, there could be another debt relief option that would work in your situation that could help you avoid another Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Illinois.

Alternatives to Filing Bankruptcy in Illinois

However, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Illinois may not be right for everyone. You may have another solution to your debt problem that works better for your situation. There are 9 common bankruptcy alternatives, but we will cover 2 of the most popular. Ascend’s goal is to help you explore various debt relief options to help you find a solution to your debt problems that work for you.

Debt Relief:

Illinois debt relief is a common alternative to Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Debt settlement is where a debt negotiation firm or you would negotiate delinquent debt for less than is owed. For example, a debt negotiation firm may negotiate a $10,000 debt to $5,000 and then charge a fee. In certain situations, debt settlement can be less expensive and get you out of debt faster. That said, there are pros and cons of debt settlement that you may wish to consider. 

Our Debt Settlement Guide and our article entitled “Debt Management vs. Debt Settlement” provide valuable information about non-bankruptcy alternatives for getting out of debt. You can also read through our FAQs about debt settlement and compare debt consolidation to debt settlement to learn more about ways that you can get out of debt without filing bankruptcy.

Debt management

Debt management (also known as credit counseling) is another common alternative to Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In debt management, a credit counseling agency would negotiate the interest rate with your creditors. For example, a credit counseling agency may negotiate your credit card interest rate from 23% to 9%. Debt management is often best with high-interest credit cards. You may save less in a debt management program than a debt settlement program because interest rate reduction may not save as much as debt amount reduction.

Before you make any decisions regarding debt relief, make sure you have all the facts.

Should I Pursue A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case in Illinois?

In short, deciding to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case in Illinois can be overwhelming. Before you file bankruptcy, you may want to estimate your Chapter 13 plan payment that you can compare against your current monthly debt obligations. You can compare that plan payment estimate to your Chapter 13 bankruptcy alternatives below.