The means test compares your household income to the median income in your state. If your income is below the median for your household size, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7. These are the current 2026 figures for Kansas City filers on both sides of the state line.
These figures apply to Kansas City residents on the Missouri side who file in the W.D. Mo. Bankruptcy Court (400 E. 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64106).
| Household Size | Annual Median Income | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $56,847 | $4,737 |
| 2 persons | $72,036 | $6,003 |
| 3 persons | $85,023 | $7,085 |
| 4 persons | $104,670 | $8,723 |
| 5 persons | $114,570* | $9,548 |
| 6 persons | $124,470* | $10,373 |
*For each person beyond 4, add approximately $9,900 per year ($825/month). Figures from the U.S. Trustee Program, effective for cases filed in 2026. Verify current figures at justice.gov/ust/means-testing.
These figures apply to Kansas City residents on the Kansas side (Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Lenexa, etc.) who file in the D. Kan. Bankruptcy Court (500 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101).
| Household Size | Annual Median Income | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $57,925 | $4,827 |
| 2 persons | $75,698 | $6,308 |
| 3 persons | $89,104 | $7,425 |
| 4 persons | $108,412 | $9,034 |
| 5 persons | $118,312* | $9,859 |
| 6 persons | $128,212* | $10,684 |
*For each person beyond 4, add approximately $9,900 per year ($825/month). Kansas median incomes are generally higher than Missouri, which means a higher threshold for Chapter 7 qualification.
For Kansas City filers, which side of the state line you live on determines which set of median income figures applies. Kansas has higher median incomes, which means a slightly higher income threshold for qualifying for Chapter 7.
| Household Size | Missouri | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $56,847 | $57,925 | +$1,078 |
| 2 persons | $72,036 | $75,698 | +$3,662 |
| 3 persons | $85,023 | $89,104 | +$4,081 |
| 4 persons | $104,670 | $108,412 | +$3,742 |
A Kansas resident earning $74,000 per year as a 2-person household would be below the Kansas median ($75,698) and qualify for Chapter 7. A Missouri resident with the same income and household size would be above the Missouri median ($72,036) and would need to pass the second part of the means test.
If your household income for the six months before filing is below the median for your state and household size, you pass the means test automatically. No further calculation is required. You can file Chapter 7 and receive a discharge in approximately 3-4 months.
You still need to meet other Chapter 7 requirements: credit counseling, no recent discharge within the waiting period, and no prior dismissal for abuse within 180 days.
Being above the median does not automatically disqualify you from Chapter 7. You must complete Form 122A-2, which subtracts allowed expenses from your income to determine your disposable income.
Allowed deductions include:
If your remaining monthly disposable income after all deductions is less than approximately $166/month ($9,975 over 60 months), you can still qualify for Chapter 7.
If the means test calculation shows you have too much disposable income for Chapter 7, you have several options:
The means test uses your average gross monthly income from all sources during the six full calendar months before you file. If you file on April 15, the test period is October 1 through March 31.
If you file Chapter 13, the means test does not determine eligibility, but it does affect your plan:
Your Chapter 13 plan can be as short as 3 years (36 months). You pay your disposable income into the plan for this period.
Your Chapter 13 plan must be 5 years (60 months). You must commit all disposable income to the plan for the full period. This is the "applicable commitment period."
For a single person: $56,847/year. For 2 persons: $72,036. For 3 persons: $85,023. For 4 persons: $104,670. Add about $9,900 for each additional person. If your income is below these thresholds, you automatically qualify for Chapter 7. Full means test guide.
For a single person: $57,925/year. For 2 persons: $75,698. For 3 persons: $89,104. For 4 persons: $108,412. Kansas thresholds are higher than Missouri. Full means test breakdown.
You must complete the second part of the means test (Form 122A-2), which subtracts IRS-allowed expenses and your actual secured debt payments from your income. Many people above the median still qualify for Chapter 7 after this calculation. If not, Chapter 13 is available without a means test.
Average gross monthly income from all sources over the six full calendar months before filing. This includes wages, business income, rental income, pension, unemployment, and regular contributions from others. Social Security benefits are excluded from the initial median comparison.
The U.S. Trustee Program updates median income figures approximately every six months, typically in April and November. Always verify current figures at justice.gov/ust/means-testing or with your attorney before filing.
These income limits are just the first step. Use the full means test calculator for a detailed analysis of your Chapter 7 eligibility.
Full Means Test Guide Discharge Screener