Filing Eligibility Calculator

Enter your prior case details to calculate your earliest eligible filing and discharge dates.

Eligibility Calculator

Full interactive calculator: Use the comprehensive free screener at 1328f.com/check.html -- it checks all Section 1328(f), 727(a)(8), 727(a)(9), and 109(g) bars automatically.

To check your eligibility manually, you need:

  1. Filing date of your prior case
  2. Chapter filed (7, 13, 11, or 12)
  3. How it ended (discharged, dismissed, or converted)
  4. Date of discharge (if applicable)
  5. Chapter you want to file now

Quick Reference

PriorNewWaitEarliest New Filing
Ch.7 (discharged)Ch.78 yearsPrior filing date + 8 years
Ch.7 (discharged)Ch.134 yearsPrior filing date + 4 years
Ch.13 (discharged)Ch.76 years*Prior filing date + 6 years*
Ch.13 (discharged)Ch.132 yearsPrior filing date + 2 years
Any (dismissed)Any0-180 daysDepends on 109(g)

* Exception if Ch.13 paid 100% or 70%+ in good faith with best effort

Step-by-Step Manual Check

  1. Check 109(g): Was your prior case dismissed for willful failure to obey court orders, or voluntarily after a stay relief motion? If yes, you cannot file for 180 days from dismissal. 109g.org calculator
  2. Check discharge bars: Was a discharge entered? If yes, look up the applicable bar from the chart above. 1328f.com screener
  3. Check stay limits: Was a case dismissed within the past year? If yes, the stay will be limited (362(c)(3)) or absent (362(c)(4)). automaticstay.org
  4. If no bars apply: You can file and receive a discharge immediately (subject to completing all requirements of the new case).

Stay updated on new datasets and research findings

No spam. No marketing. Just data.

Related Resources

1328f.com/check.html -- Full interactive screener

109g.org/calculator.html -- 180-day calculator

727a8.com -- 8-year bar guide

PACER cases made free through RECAP: 0 of 37.9 million

Every document we access becomes permanently free for the next researcher, attorney, or debtor.

$0 of $5,000 Q1 PACER research goal

1,500+ hours. No grants, no institutional backing. 0 supporters so far.

Fund this research

Federal Rules Committee

This research supports Suggestion 26-BK-3 to the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules

Proposing automated Section 1328(f) discharge bar screening in federal bankruptcy courts